Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

You belong here and your health matters!

Building an inclusive environment is a continuous journey that requires listening, dialogue and action. Recognizing this, Southlake has taken significant steps forward by creating a dedicated Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) Office.

People are our strength at Southlake. Everyone deserves to feel respected and included. That’s why Southlake continues to focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA). Southlake is taking strong steps to create a future where everyone is treated fairly and has the chance to grow and succeed.

Our goal is to make Southlake a place where everyone, including staff, medical staff, patients, families and volunteers, feels safe, welcome and valued. Together, we’re ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors knows they belong here and they matter.

We are committed to providing high-quality care to all and eliminating any differences in how people are treated. By celebrating and using our differences, we can create better and more compassionate care for everyone.

Southlake’s focus on DEIA and health equity will make care even stronger. Southlake understands that each person cared for has their own unique background, culture and experiences. Every patient deserves fair and equal care regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, disability, religion, sexual orientation, income or any other characteristic. Creating a healthcare experience that is welcoming, inclusive and free of racism and discrimination is critical. By staying committed to DEIA, Southlake is building a healthcare system that meets the diverse healthcare needs of the communities it is privileged to serve, while also highlighting the strength of its diverse team.

Reaching these goal takes time, effort and responsibility from everyone at Southlake. We are making DEIA a part of our everyday work to create a welcoming and respectful place. Everyone, in every department, works together to build a culture of inclusion and fairness for all.

We know there’s still a lot to learn and do, but Southlake is committed to making this vision come true.

Southlake is committed to providing great care to every patient, no matter who they are or where they come from. To do this, Southlake focuses on understanding and meeting the unique healthcare needs of the communities we are privileged to serve, including:

• Indigenous communities
• Black communities
• 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
• People living with disabilities

Southlake is working hard to:

• Address racism in healthcare: Everyone, no matter their background, should be able to access the care they need and feel safe, respected and valued. This means making sure everyone gets fair treatment and the same quality of care.
• Build a diverse team: Southlake aims to have a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This is done by hiring the right people, offering training and helping our team provide care that respects all cultures.
• Remove bias in care: Southlake is continuously training staff to recognize and reduce unconscious bias so that every patient is treated fairly and with respect.
• Create a welcoming environment: It’s important that all patients, visitors, staff, medical staff and volunteers feel valued, respected and empowered. Southlake is focused on building a culture of mutual respect for everyone.
• Support Indigenous health: Southlake is committed to truth and reconciliation. We are working to address past injustices and promote healing through special programs and partnerships with Indigenous communities.

By embracing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA), Southlake will be by your side through every step of your healthcare journey. Our team continues to work hard to improve health outcomes for all our patients, build trust, and strengthen communication with everyone—patients, families, staff, medical staff and volunteers. With different perspectives, Southlake continues to develop new ideas and provide the best care possible.

Contact Southlake’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office at DEI@southlake.ca.