Engage
Training the Future of Care, Close to Home
At Halton Healthcare, growing academic partnerships are helping shape the future of healthcare close to home. Through a renewed partnership with McMaster University and collaborations with many other colleges and universities, learners across medicine, nursing, and health disciplines are gaining hands-on experience in the communities where many will one day practice.
Each year, hundreds of clinical placements take place across Halton Healthcare’s hospitals and community settings, giving learners exposure to a wide range of patient needs and care environments. Guided by experienced clinical teams, it is an opportunity to build practical skills while contributing to day-to-day care. Their presence also brings fresh perspectives, curiosity, and the latest evidence-based practices into the clinical environment. Most recently, Halton Healthcare welcomed the first class of resident physicians from Toronto Metropolitan University’s new School of Medicine, further strengthening its role in training the next generation of healthcare professionals.
By training learners locally and embedding education within patient care environments, Halton Healthcare is helping create pathways for future healthcare professionals to build their careers and continue serving the communities where they trained.
Turning Values into Action: Advancing Equity, Belonging, and Respect
Clear action, shared accountability, and a commitment to listen, learn, and grow is at the heart of Halton Healthcare’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Reconciliation (EDIA-R) Plan. Developed in partnership with staff, physicians, and community members, the plan sets a clear roadmap to strengthen equity and belonging across the organization, for both patients and teams.
The plan focuses on building a workforce that reflects the community, creating culturally safe environments, improving equitable patient experiences, and embedding ongoing education and accountability into everyday work. Early actions are already underway, including the introduction of Employee Resource Groups, mandatory anti-racism training, and expanded opportunities for staff engagement and learning.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are staff-led, organization-supported groups that create space for connection, shared perspectives, and belonging. Alongside this work, ongoing Gender Affirming Care initiatives continue to strengthen inclusive and compassionate care for patients while fostering a more supportive environment for staff, physicians, and volunteers.
A Home Run for the Patient Experience: When Care Meets Community
During the Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff run, Halton Healthcare found a simple but powerful way to bring that to life. Across all three hospital sites, a shared sense of excitement transformed everyday moments, games played in patient areas, staff wore team gear, and a “One Team” spirit brought patients, families, and teams together.
For new parents like Mark, that connection became part of a milestone moment. His son Julian was born just as the Blue Jays secured a pivotal playoff win. Watching the game from his hospital room, with his newborn in his arms, he experienced two unforgettable firsts at once.
These moments were happening across the organization. On average, 12 to 14 babies were born each game day, many receiving small keepsakes to mark their “big league debut.” In paediatric areas, themed activities helped children feel more at ease, bringing play and familiarity into their care experience.
At Halton Healthcare, it’s a reminder that exceptional care goes beyond treatment, creating experiences that bring comfort, connection, and a sense of community when it matters most.
