2008-2009 Annual Report

The theme of the Annual Report, “Your Hospital. Our Story.” is intended to provide you with an overview of the services delivered by Stanton Territorial Health Authority and the challenges we face. You will see the tremendous growth in services over the years, the truly territorial nature of the services Stanton provides, and the challenges we struggle to meet in managing our fiscal realities.  The growth has stretched Stanton’s resources and infrastructure to the limits of its capacity.

Over the past few months we completed a five year Strategic Plan for 2009-2014. The five strategic priorities are:

1.    Patient Centred Quality Care
2.    Effective Partnerships and Relationships
3.    Quality of Worklife
4.    Accountable Governance, Leadership and Financial management
5.    Appropriate Infrastructure and Resources

The Strategic Plan will serve as the foundation in which Stanton’s Senior Management Team will address operational and budgetary issues. The Annual Report is reflective of the detailed operational analysis that is currently being undertaken to identify the system changes that will be required to ensure Stanton is meeting the health care needs of all residents, and in a sustainable way.  I trust sharing this information will help you understand the challenges Stanton faces to deliver services effectively and efficiently.    

You will note the considerable no show rates for many of our services. This has a serious impact on operational efficiencies, as well as, increased wait times for other patients. A missed visit means another patient waits longer. I would ask everyone’s cooperation to reduce this rate and avoid additional costs to the system.

I am pleased to report that Stanton achieved Accreditation with Reports this year, which means Stanton has met National Accreditation Standards for quality patient care.   New standards have recently been introduced and we have a solid plan in place to maintain compliance and meet required organizational practices on patient safety. These standards continue to evolve to reflect best practice and current research enhancing clinical care. Our next accreditation review will be in 2011.  Despite the fiscal challenges, Stanton continues to provide quality care and continues to receive high satisfaction ratings on patient surveys.

Stanton is at the centre of the health care delivery system in NWT.  I would like to acknowledge the essential role of partnerships across our health care system.  We all work together to provide quality patient care to our residents.   You will see the role that Stanton plays in providing support to other health authorities and Stanton’s commitment to providing services as close to home as possible.  Stanton’s physician specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, ophthalmology technicians, biomedical engineering staff and many others spend considerable time providing services at the community level.  Stanton’s community travel services reduce patient travel to Yellowknife and provide services as close to home as possible.

The strength of any organization is the people who work for the organization and who support the organization.  This report speaks volumes of the commitment of staff, of volunteers, and the business community who show their commitment through the support they provide to Stanton’s Territorial Hospital Foundation and to Stanton’s Hospital Auxiliary.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the committed people who give their support.  Your continued support and engagement will be needed in the coming months, as we work together, to achieve a sound financial organization that responds appropriately to the health care needs of our people.

Kay Lewis, CHE
Chief Executive Officer