Susan Bisaillon: Share Frequently and Share Freely

Welcome to Healthcare Change Makers, a podcast produced by HIROC. I’m Ellen Gardner with Philip de Souza.

Today’s guest is Susan Bisaillon, CEO of The Safehaven Project for Community Living. Susan started her career in healthcare as a nurse in St. Anthony, Newfoundland, later moving west to St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Toronto, then to UHN where she worked as a clinical nurse specialist and nurse manager in the CCU. She moved on to direct the Neuroscience Program and oversee Clinical Operations at Trillium Health Partners.

Before joining Safehaven, Susan was the Chief Operating Officer at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital.

She grew up in a small community in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, and says it was a strong sense of curiosity and desire to keep learning that motivated her to move to the bigger centres.

Early in her time at Safehaven, Susan and her leadership team noticed the lack of education and support for people working in the community. The subsequent development of education programs has moved far beyond their walls to the point where the organization is now seen as a leader in the delivery of education.

In recognition of their role as Infection Prevention and Control Lead Champion for Toronto Region during the pandemic, Safehaven received the Celebrating the Human Spirit award from the Canadian College of Health Leaders. HIROC is proud to play a role in supporting that award. The award goes to an organization that provides acts of caring and compassion that go above and beyond – having a profound and lasting impact.

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Quotables

“The continuum of care for individuals with complexities is really not developed well in Ontario, and I just felt that the timing was there to be able to make some changes that could potentially help other families and individuals in the community.” – SB

“I do think the next big frontier is community care. And I see it every day – it’s tough work.” – SB

“Our goal is to try to let these kids have fun, and go to school, and participate in a way that it’s not all about appointments and care – it’s about living your best life.” – SB

“I think HIROC is an organization that we all look to – it’s an organization that really helps keep us safe, on track… Having that award from HIROC that really recognizes the spirit of the work that was done in the last two years is incredibly meaningful.” – SB

“I know our board has been great, our community has been great, in terms of just small touches… it let the staff know that we understand.” – SB

“Everybody who comes to the table, no matter who they are, what position they are in, everybody has something to offer, everybody has something that’s valuable… that’s teachable.” – SB

“I think understanding what your value is, what your gift is, but also sharing. Because when you share, you learn so much more.” – SB

“Share liberally and share freely, and you will reap the rewards of that.” – SB

“We all belong. We all have differences. We all have abilities.” – SB

“I think breaking down some of the barriers and inequities that exist in our system, I see some glimmers of hope but we’re not quite there in many respects.” – SB

Mentions

• Accreditation Canada

• Canadian College of Health Leaders

• Halton Healthcare

• HIROC

• Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

• Memorial University

• Rotman: University of Toronto

• Safehaven

• SickKids

• St Joseph’s Health Centre

• Trillium health Partners

• UHN