Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism & Accessibility (IDEAA)

Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital acknowledges that we are located on the traditional lands of the Kanien:keha’ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and recognizes the enduring presence of the First Peoples.

Our Commitment

At HGMH, we are dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone who comes through our doors. We believe that excellence in healthcare is only possible when inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism, and accessibility are embedded in everything we do.

We recognize the unique identities, experiences, and needs of each individual. Through our commitment to IDEAA, we ensure that care is compassionate, culturally safe, and equitable for all.

What IDEAA Means to Us

• Inclusion: Creating spaces where every individual feels welcomed, valued, and respected.
• Diversity: Honoring and celebrating the many backgrounds, cultures, languages, and perspectives that enrich our hospital community.
• Equity: Striving to remove barriers and ensure fair access to opportunities, care, and resources.
• Anti-Racism: Actively addressing systemic racism and discrimination, and promoting education, dialogue, and change.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can fully access our services, programs, and facilities.

Our Actions

We are proud to take meaningful steps to strengthen IDEAA within our hospital community, including:

• An active IDEA Committee that provides leadership, education, and advocacy.
• Development of a Land Acknowledgment Policy to recognize and respect Indigenous peoples and territories.
• Staff education on cultural safety, unconscious bias, and inclusive practices.
• Celebrations and recognition of cultural and heritage days to foster awareness and respect.
• Ongoing efforts to ensure all communication and educational materials are available in both official languages, and accessible to all patients and families.
• Meeting and exceeding accessibility requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Opening of a Spiritual and Cultural Care room to offer a serene and inclusive space designed to nurture the spiritual, emotional, and cultural well-being of patients, families, staff and visitors.

Accessibility Report and Plan

• Accessibility Annual Report 2023
• Accessibility Multi-Year Plan 2023-2028

Policies

• Accessibility (COR.03.004)
• Accessibility Committee Policy (COR.03.002)
• Accessibility Customer Service Training (CO.07.025)
• Accessibility Sef Identification (CO.03.006)
• Accessible Multiple Format (IN.02.009)
• Accessible Multiple Format Request Form (51A-171)
• Individualized Emergency and Disaster Response Plan (COR.02.020)
• Staff Recruitment (COR.08.004)

Interpretation Services

The hospital is pleased to offer interpreter services, including American Sign language (ASL), through LanguageLine Solutions. This service ensures that language is not a barrier to effective communication between our healthcare professionals and our patients and families. This 24-hour service offers seamless access to professional interpreters in over 240 languages, ensuring that patients and families receive the care and support they need.  

If you require interpretation services while at the hospital, please speak to your healthcare provider.

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As a proud member of the IDEA Community Coalition, Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital reaffirms our commitment to building a more inclusive, equitable, and just community.

Together with over 40 local organizations, we are taking meaningful action to break down systemic barriers and advance equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-oppression, and Truth and Reconciliation.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is not a trend, it’s a necessity. The IDEA Coalition is here to stay.

Learn more: https://unitedwaysdg.com/what-we-do/idea-community-coalition