As London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) continues to grow and address challenges, we know that meaningful progress can only happen in collaboration with our community. By listening with intention, learning from diverse perspectives, and acting with transparency, we’re building the momentum needed to drive our hospital forward.
Shaping LHSC’s next steps
At LHSC, we believe the future of care is shaped not only within our walls, but alongside the people we serve. That’s why in October 2024, following the appointment of David Musyj as LHSC’s Supervisor, we launched a new Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to help ensure our next steps in strengthening our operations reflect the voices of our community.
The CAC is central to our efforts to improve, strengthen transparency, and deepen engagement with those we serve. The 10-member committee brings together diverse voices from across London to provide advice and recommendations to LHSC’s leadership team.
“Over the past several months, the Community Advisory Committee has helped us identify key areas where LHSC can better meet the needs of our community,” says Musyj. “Their insights continue to guide us in making decisions that reflect the experiences and expectations of those we serve.”
The CAC’s first major priority was seeking input from the community and LHSC team members through a pair of comprehensive surveys launched in November 2024. The goal was to better understand community health priorities, experiences with LHSC, and areas for improvement.
Together, the two surveys captured more than 4,000 responses from community members, patients, families, staff, physicians, volunteers, and patient partners. Common themes included a desire for improved communication, enhanced support for vulnerable populations, and more efficient access to care.
“The Community Advisory Committee is grateful to all the team members, patients, and community members who took time to share their honest feedback,” says Mariam Hamou, CAC member. “As representatives of the community, we know it is only with this input that LHSC can improve its operations to best serve its patients, community, staff members, and physicians.”
The results of this engagement have informed an action plan with 29 recommendations that will help LHSC improve across a number of areas, resulting in an improved care experience for all. Regular updates on LHSC’s progress will be provided to keep the community informed as this work continues.
Connecting with our community
One place we’re sharing these updates is our new Community Update Meetings.
As one of Canada’s largest acute-care teaching hospitals, LHSC has a responsibility to be more than a health-care provider. That means creating space for meaningful conversations with our communities, rooted in transparency, honesty, and shared purpose.
In 2024, LHSC launched monthly Community Update Meetings to connect directly with those we serve. Streamed through YouTube and broadcast through Rogers tv London, these meetings offer a direct view into the work our teams are doing and how we’re working to improve. They also offer an opportunity to answer questions from community members.
“These sessions reflect the growing momentum behind our commitment to transparency, accountability, and community-connected leadership, ensuring patients, families, and community members feel connected to the decisions and actions that will shape the future of health care at LHSC,” explains Musyj. “They are one way we’re making sure the community stays informed and can see how we’re working to improve every day.”