Days of reflection on health – An opportunity to co-design our vision of the health system of tomorrow

I had the pleasure of attending the Journées de réflexions prospectives sur la santé en français held on March 17 and 18, 2023 as part of the 100th anniversary of the Hôtel-Dieu de l’Assomption, forerunner of the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre. 

This event, which took place under the theme Unite, Innovate and Take Action for our Communities, brought people together to look at the path we’ve followed, take stock of our current challenges and, above all, look to the future. 

The discussions addressed health worker recruitment and retention and how these depend on the engagement, wellness, recognition and empowerment of our teams on the ground; these factors are in turn closely related to employee experience, one of Vitalité Health Network’s major priorities.

The discussions also addressed our governance model, our engagement of communities and our demographic profile as we face the “perfect storm” of having one of the oldest populations in the country at the same time that chronic illnesses increase and our labour force caring for people decreases.

More than ever, synergy and a learning attitude are key. We must unite, redefine our health system and prepare for the future together since the models that existed 100 years ago or 10 years ago no longer meet today’s needs.

Our public is demanding timely access to health care as well as accessible, high-performing hospitals that can expertly manage episodes of acute illness or incidents.

Is adding physicians and resources the key to making primary health care accessible? Within the current context, I would instead say that we must review our practices and look at changes such as adopting a more collaborative model.  A collaborative and integrated care model gives patients access to a team of professionals and refers them to the right resources more quickly.

It’s essential to improve the health system so we can better meet people’s needs and do so while also meeting the highest quality standards.

Let’s remember the modest beginnings of the Hôtel-Dieu de l’Assomption in 1922, with its 17 beds, and the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre we know today. For many, these images evoke a sense of pride, humility and gratitude while also encapsulating our collective strength and ability to innovate and adapt to change.

Let’s recognize this facility as the cornerstone of the province’s French-language health care it has become and also for its university mission and research expertise. Finally, let’s also celebrate everyone at the heart of its history – both past and future.

Dr. France Desrosiers, President and CEO of Vitalité Health Network, Véronique Landry, Professor/Researcher and Nurse Practitioner, Brigitte Sonier-Ferguson, Senior Vice-President, Performance, University Mission and Strategy for Vitalité Health Network, and Gilles Roy, Vice-Dean of Teaching and Research at the Université de Moncton.