Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment for us all. Violent behaviour can have devastating effects on the quality of life for our staff and on our ability to provide exceptional care to our patients.

HDGH has instituted a zero tolerance violence policy and has launched a violence prevention program. The purpose of this program is to first, define the principles of conduct that are expected from those working for the hospital, our patients, and visitors. Second, this program is intended to define the behaviour that constitutes workplace violence. Third, this program sets out the response system for supporting and assisting our workplace parties in response to an incident of workplace violence.

Workplace Violence Prevention Program
The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital’s Workplace Violence Prevention Program which was initiated prior to the tragic event of November 12, 2005, was completed and formally approved in February 2006. Implementation began immediately.

Since that time, the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee has revised and updated the program, with the latest revisions guided by the recommendations of the Coroner’s jury and with the input of Dr. Peter Jaffe and his colleague Ms. Barb MacQuarrie. The hospital considers this document a living document and anticipates that as such it will continue to evolve to respond to the emerging issues of the day.
Click here to review the program details

Intimate Partner (Domestic) Violence Policy
The purpose of this policy and guidelines is to heighten awareness of domestic violence and all forms of violence against men and women and to provide guidance for management and employees in addressing these issues.
Click here to review the policy

Security Policies and Procedures
Risk Management Solutions Inc. was hired by the hospital to conduct a thorough review of the Hospital’s security policies and procedures and its ability to respond to workplace and domestic violence.

To ensure the security of the hospital and all who are cared for here it is not possible to publicly release our security policies and procedures. However, the hospital is releasing an excerpt from the report compiled by Jim Doyle and William Argue of Risk Management Solutions Inc. We are also including a copy of their CVs as background information.
Click here to review excerpt from the Security Review Report

Medical/Dental Staff By-laws
The version posted to our website is from March 2007. A review of the Medical/Dental Staff By-Laws has been completed and approved by the medical and dental staff and the Medical Advisory Committee. In its present form, these by-laws reflect the paramount importance of patient safety, quality of care and the hospital’s expectations regarding professional behaviour.

Certain revisions to the Medical/Dental Bylaws are already in place or under consideration. Probationary status was established earlier in 2007. A provincial review by the Ontario Medical Association and the Ontario Hospital Association regarding application and re-application requirements including a review of a physician’s previous record is underway.

Once recommendations come forward from this review, our by-laws will be amended accordingly and sent on for approval by all parties.
Click here to review the Medical/Dental staff by-laws

Policy for Medication Administration
The hospital has reviewed all policies with respect to medication administration and reporting, we have determined the need to bring all policies under one umbrella policy which will include a section covering medication administration, a section specific to high risk medications and a section outlining medication incident reporting processes.

The attachment provides further details regarding the hospital’s work to develop an umbrella policy.
Click here to review the information on the Medication Policy

Our Covenant
The mission and values of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital set standards of respect for the individual. In keeping with the living nature of this mission, the covenant has been developed as a further affirmation of those codes and behaviours, and as a guide to the mutual relationships that characterize the Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital family. The concept of the Covenant emphasizes that this is a commitment that flows not just one way but among many people. The Covenant states,

“We commit to treating patients and staff in a dignified manner that conveys respect for the abilities of each other and a willingness to work as a team of equally valued partners. We promote an atmosphere of collegiality, cooperation and professionalism. We demonstrate empathy, compassion and respect in our interactions with others and are always polite and courteous. We consistently adhere to all the rules and regulations of our hospital. We wish to be held accountable for our commitment and we expect the same dedication from all members of our hospital community."