CAHO

This webpage highlights the work I did with the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario (CAHO) from 2012 to 2013.

CAHO represents Ontario’s 23 research hospitals that play a unique and vital role in the province’s health care system. Collectively, we provide advanced patient care services, train the next generation of health care professionals, and conduct leading-edge research to discover tomorrow’s care today. On the foundation of this work, we generate the expertise and evidence to drive change as system leaders, building a healthier, wealthier, smarter Ontario.

My position at CAHO focused on stakeholder relations and communications. In my role, I conducted tasks that effectively communicated CAHO’s position to the CAHO community and key stakeholders through annual reports, the CAHO website, monthly e-newsletter and by developing and launching an internal members website – CAHO Connects. In addition, I created promotional material for the CAHO Adopting Research to Improve Care (ARTIC) Program and developed and launched a CAHO Twitter account (@cahohospitals).

On this page you will find portfolio items relating to media relations, CAHO Catalyst newsletter, success stories, annual reports and additional work. 

Media Relations

A part of my role focused on the development and pitching of news releases about health research news. I also developed an overview document that could be given to stakeholders to easily understand CAHO’s mission. Please see a sample of releases below:

• CAHO Announces 2012 ARTIC Projects
• CAHO Hospitals Call for Partnerships to Maintain the Impact of Research Hospitals
• CAHO Welcomes Reference to Health Innovation in Throne Speech
• Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Helps Launch CAHO ARTIC Program Project

CAHO Catalyst Newsletter

The CAHO Catalyst newsletter was CAHO’s monthly newsletter. I served as the editor for the newsletter which included content and story development, conducting interviews and research for articles and issues to highlight. These newsletters would be shared with the wider CAHO community which comprised of hospital research and Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) staff and additional stakeholders. 

• February 2012 Issue
• March 2012 Issue
• April 2012 Issue
• May 2012 Issue
• June 2012 Issue
• July/August 2012 Issue
• Sep/Oct 2012 Issue
• November 2012 Issue
• January 2013 Issue
• February 2013 Issue

Success Stories

As part of the CAHO Catalyst newsletter, one section was devoted to highlighting news from member hospitals. I would interview hospital staff and write a brief story on the news for inclusion in the newsletter. These stories were also promoted on the website and used as examples of the practical application of research dollars in Ontario. Please click on a link below to read some of these success stories. 

• CAHO CCR ARTIC Project Empowers Nurse Champions Maximizing Emergency Department Resources
• Sunnybrook opens world-first lab of the future
• A New Community Crisis Model Opens In Sudbury
• CAMH conducting a ‘real-world’ pilot focused on helping clients with schizophrenia
• Neurosurgeon at St. Mike’s first in Canada to use 3D camera to remove brain tumour
• North York General Hospital Advances Patient Safety with Health IT
• The Royal Ottawa and CHEO join forces with others to build bridges with local youth

ARTIC Promotional Event Materials

I was asked to develop promotional materials for an Adopting Research to Improve Care (ARTIC) Program event. Please see the elements below. These were designed using Adobe InDesign for attendees and speakers. 

• Event Package – Speaker Bios
• Event Invitation
• Hotel Arrangements
• Travel Arrangements

Annual Reports and Pre-Budget Statement

I was responsible for the development, writing and publishing of the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Annual Reports, and the development and design of CAHO’s 2013 Pre-Budget Statement. These reports were submitted to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). Please click on the covers to read each document. 

2011-2012 Annual Report

2012-2013 Annual Report

2013 Pre-Budget Statement

Additional Work

Some additional items that I do not have portfolio items for but are worth highlighting include:

• I acted as project lead on CAHO Connects, an internal member website, which included the development and implementation of the website for CAHO members, staff and stakeholders while working with a supplier to ensure website project is completed on time. 
• I managed and maintained the CAHO website ensuring information is correct and up-to-date.
• I sat as the CAHO representative on the 2012 TAHSN Education Day Committee and was
  responsible for seeking sponsorship for this event. I secured sponsors Ipsos Public Affairs, McMaster University and News Canada.
• I developed the CAHO Twitter account (@cahohospitals) and worked with my Manager on the development of messaging to communicate to followers.