Quality and Patient Safety Specialist - Full Time - Markham Stouffville Hospital

Oak Valley Health; Canada; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading community healthcare organization in Ontario seeks a Quality & Patient Safety Specialist to enhance patient safety and quality improvement initiatives. The role involves guiding healthcare professionals and implementing strategies to ensure compliance and continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in healthcare quality, safety principles, and effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in quality improvement and patient safety in a hospital setting.
• Proficiency in quality improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and monitoring of the organization's safety program.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Prepare reports and presentations on patient safety and QI outcomes.

Skills

Communication

Critical Thinking

Prioritization

Problem Solving

Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field

Master’s degree

Tools

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Please Note: If you are a current Oak Valley Health employee, apply to this job via the internal Workday application.

Land acknowledgement:

Oak Valley Health honours the traditional territory of the closest Indigenous communities, the Chippewas (chi-puh-waas) of Georgina Island and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island. The Haudenosaunee (Ho-de-no-shau-nee) and Anishinaabe (Ah-nishin-ah-beh) have lived, worked and existed on this land from time immemorial. This land is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaty signed with many Mississauga and Chippewa bands. We acknowledge that Indigenous Peoples were not asked to share their territory with settler populations and that we are all here as uninvited guests. We acknowledge and thank all generations of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island for their commitment, contributions, and protection of the land and its resources.

Who you are:

• You encompass Oak Valley Health’s core values and live the words of respect, trust, commitment, compassion and courage

• You are a patient and/or client centered individual who performs at an exemplary standard

• You are a team player with excellent communication, critical thinking and prioritization skills

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Quality & Patient Safety Specialist to join our team at the Markham site. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in guiding, supporting, and educating our healthcare professionals on quality improvement (QI), patient safety, and high reliability organization (HRO) principles. This role is instrumental in the planning, development, and execution of patient safety strategies, quality improvement projects, and high reliability programs that ensure organizational compliance with Accreditation standards, foster a culture of safety, and drive continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety Program Management:
  • Support the development, implementation, and continuous monitoring of the organization's safety program, which integrates patient safety, incident management, and high reliability principles and practices.
  • Review and assess incoming incident reports for accuracy and completeness, flagging them for follow-up as needed.
  • Conduct and support quality of care reviews, including Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and tracking the implementation of recommendations.
  • Analyze patient safety data to identify trends and actionable insights that promote a just culture.
  • Implement and promote high reliability principles to enhance safety and quality across the organization.
• Quality Improvement Initiatives:
  • Lead and support program/department-level and corporate-level quality improvement initiatives.
  • Apply QI methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, A3, Kaizen, and DMAIC to drive process improvements and enhance patient outcomes.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement QI projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
  • Monitor the progress and effectiveness of QI initiatives, providing ongoing support and expertise to teams.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Prepare comprehensive reports that include tracking, trending, graphs, and analyses of patient safety and QI program outcomes.
  • Utilize statistical data analysis to inform decision-making and identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Create and deliver presentations to various stakeholders using PowerPoint, highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• Relationship Building and Leadership:
  • Establish and maintain strong, effective relationships with staff and physicians to influence and promote safe practices, high reliability behaviors, and continuous improvement.
  • Serve as a resource to managers, offering expert advice on corrective actions to minimize the recurrence of safety events.
  • Act as a patient safety and quality improvement resource and advisor for leadership, assisting with investigations, procedures, and interviews.
• Education and Compliance:
  • Coordinate patient safety programs and educate staff on patient safety management policies and procedures.
  • Develop and deliver quality improvement education for teams to build QI capacity across the organization, empowering staff to contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
  • Provide education to teams on high reliability principles, fostering a culture of safety and reliability throughout the organization.
  • Liaise with the Patient Relations Specialist as needed to manage patient complaints and safety issues.
  • Support programs and departments in achieving compliance with Accreditation standards and evaluating their effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field, Engineering, or Quality required; Master’s degree is an asset; or equivalent acute care (hospital) experience.
• Canadian Patient Safety Officer (CPSO) certification or equivalent is an asset.
• Familiarity with RL6 solutions and Meditech is preferred.
• Recent, relevant experience in quality improvement, patient safety, and the principles of high reliability within a hospital setting.
• Proficiency in quality improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, A3, Kaizen, and DMAIC.
• Advanced skills in statistical data analysis and proficiency with PowerPoint, Excel, and other relevant software.
• Self-directed with strong collaborative skills.
• Deep understanding of the healthcare system and relevant legislation (e.g., ECFAA, FIPPA, PHIPA).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships at all levels.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking abilities, with a fresh perspective on generating ideas.
• Ability to manage multiple complex issues and priorities effectively.
• Proven mediation and conflict resolution skills, maintaining third-party neutrality.
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace for all stakeholders.

Work Schedule:

Primarily days, Monday to Friday, with flexibility to meet departmental needs.

Please note schedules may change due to operational needs.

Compensation:

BAND H

Range:

$44.91 - $64.28

Who we are:

Oak Valley Health is one of Ontario’s leading community healthcare organizations. Across our two hospital sites (Markham and Uxbridge) a Reactivation Care Centre (RCC), a Community Health Centre (CHC), and Hospital-to-Home programs, we provide high quality, patient-centred care to more than 468,000 patients each year. We offer diagnostic and emergency services, and deliver clinical programs in acute care medicine and surgery, addictions and mental health, and childbirth and children’s services. We are also proud to be part of the Eastern York Region North Durham Ontario Health Team (OHT).

Our 542 physicians, 35 midwives, over 3,000 staff and 1,000 volunteers serve patients and families with an Honoured to Care mindset, and are focused on delivering an extraordinary patient experience to the residents of Markham, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Uxbridge and beyond. We are dedicated to providing access to the right care, at the right time, in the right place by the right people and at the right cost.

Oak Valley Health Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging statement

Oak Valley Health takes pride in serving some of Canada’s most diverse communities. We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration and we encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, members of LGBTQ2+ communities, members of racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of Oak Valley Health. Furthermore, Oak Valley Health is committed to meeting the needs of all individuals in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources.

We are honoured to be recognized as one of Forbes Canada's Best Employers for Diversity. We ranked within the top 150 organizations across the country. Learn more about our commitment to EDIB.