Manitoba's Top Employers

MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2015 19 T he legacy of caring, respect and trust established by the Misericordia Sisters more than 115 years ago continues to shape the culture at Misericordia Health Centre (MHC), both in its Mission to meet the needs of the community it serves and its commitment to employees who administer and support health- care services. To honour its legacy, however, structural and visionary changes had to be made. Undoubtedly, it was the successful culmination of this evolutionary journey that has earned Misericordia Health Centre the prestige of being one of Manitoba's Top Employers. After years of planning and restructuring, Misericordia Health Centre has emerged as a leading provider of specialized and long-term care programs designed to meet the needs of the aging population, according to Rosie Jacuzzi, MHC's President and CEO. A registered nurse with a background in geriatric health care, Jacuzzi came to Misericordia as Chief Nursing Officer in 2001. She was appointed CEO in 2004, and has been at the helm since. Under her leadership, Misericordia Health Centre has found its niche in community-based programs. "More than 90 percent of health care today is delivered in an ambulatory setting where clients receive treatment within 24 hours," she says. "This trend continues to grow, and we are leading the way by providing a combination of acute and non-acute health care," she adds, noting that long-term care consists of 145 MHC interim care beds and 100 long-term care beds at Misericordia Place personal care home. Misericordia Health Centre has four flagship programs: Buhler Eye Care Centre, Provincial Health Contact Centre (including Health Links – Info Santé), Sleep Disorder Centre, and Urgent Care Centre. These programs are unique to Misericordia, and serve all of Manitoba. Redevelopment The renewal of aging buildings was necessary to accommodate program expansions and future programs. Phase 1 of redevelopment involved completion of the new Maryland building. The second floor of this two-storey health complex is home to the Buhler Eye Care Centre, the largest ophthalmology treatment and surgical program in Western Canada. The first floor will house the new PRIME program, a health centre for seniors that will provide medical expertise, recreational and social activities, personal care, rehabilitation and support for families. The first floor, along with the basement, will house the Ambulatory Diagnostic Centre. Phase 2 redevelopment involves a new Sherbrook building, which will include a new chapel, museum, and a town square featuring a healing garden, as well as a Misericordia history wall that will serve as an entrance to the facility. Future redevelopment plans involve adding a third floor to the Maryland building for new operating rooms. While the façade of Misericordia Health Centre continues to change, its faith-based Mission remains constant and is reflected in the leadership of its 1,035 employees. "Senior leadership is committed to fostering a positive work environment where our staff is valued, supported and accountable," Jacuzzi said. "We spend a lot of time determining what it means to be caring, respectful employers. In the end, it means showing employees they are valued." One way leadership demonstrates value is keeping employees informed. This is accomplished through various communication vehicles such as a monthly newsletter, redevelopment updates, and an interactive intranet. Face-to-face communications is a tool Jacuzzi also uses to stay in touch with employees. She hosts a regular 'Java with Jacuzzi' coffee break. "It gives employees an opportunity to tell me what they like and what they would like to see changed," she said. In addition, MHC offers employee services such as in- house training and subsidized tuition for courses at other institutions, retirement planning assistance including phased-in work options, subsidized memberships to an onsite fitness centre and many recognition events. Employees are encouraged to provide feedback through regional surveys and surveys conducted by outside consultants. Surveys tell MHC leaders whether they are carrying out their goal of supporting a positive work environment, Jacuzzi explains, adding that last year's survey indicates they are. "Misericordia ranked highest in staff engagement, at 64 per cent, in the Winnipeg Health Region's 2013 annual Employee Engagement Survey," Jacuzzi said. "This score is the highest score among all sites, and it is also higher than the Canadian healthcare engagement average." A second 2014 survey conducted by Catholic Health International, reinforced that feedback, she adds. "Staff filled out questionnaires and assessors visited and held focus groups with staff, volunteers, patients and family members," Jacuzzi said. "This survey confirms our belief we are living our Mission and values and honouring the legacy of the Misericordia Sisters. "With the support of an engaged and committed staff providing excellent, compassionate care, Misericordia Health Centre is proud to be a leader in healthy aging," Jacuzzi concludes. "Our redevelopment journey is far from over, though; MHC will continue to explore opportunities to offer further specialty programs to Manitobans." By Donna Minkus for The Free Press Misericordia Health Centre CEO Rosie Jacuzzi. Photo by Darcy Finley MISERICORDIA HEALTH CENTRE Misericordia Health Centre living its legacy 99 Cornish Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A2 • 204-774-6581 • www.misericordia.mb.ca Misericordia Health Centre is a leading provider of specialized and long-term care programs designed to meet the needs of the aging population in accordance with the Catholic tradition of ethical and spiritual values through the legacy of the Misericordia Sisters. We serve Manitobans through programs unique to Misericordia: Buhler Eye Care Centre, Provincial Health Contact Centre, Sleep Disorder Centre and Urgent Care Centre.

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