The following has been sent on behalf of Dr. Ben Williams, Vice President, Medicine, Quality, Research & Chief Medical Officer.
September 12, 2023
Dear Colleagues,
Today, Doctors of BC will be launching their 8th annual Health Authority Engagement Survey. This survey measures BC physicians’ level of engagement with their respective health authorities and hospitals/sites.
This survey presents an opportunity for you to provide insights regarding your safety, working standards and experience working in Island Health and at your respective sites. It serves as a vital pulse check for physicians throughout Island Health and provides invaluable data to help us improve, together.
Understandably, many of you have survey fatigue but there is strength in numbers. This survey is an important step to facilitate open and honest dialogue between physicians, Doctors of BC and Island Health to help shape an equitable healthcare system in which you feel valued and heard.
Last year’s survey results for Island Health revealed an overburdened healthcare system in which many physicians stated they did not feel valued, heard, or in some cases, even safe in their workplace. A need for greater transparency in decision-making and communicating outcomes were key themes. While managing the many challenges in healthcare delivery, we are working with physician groups to address these issues.
This year, we plan to do things differently:
- We will publish Island Health’s survey results promptly following their release by Doctors of BC early next year.
- We will convene with you as a group via a dedicated Webinar to openly discuss the survey results.
- We will act based on survey findings to make tangible improvements and report back to you on their progress.
Taking action after the survey results are released will be key in creating greater organizational transparency. I am committed to communicating survey results and changes that occur as a result of your feedback on an on-going basis.
The survey will be open for 30 days and it will take approximately ten minutes to complete. Each physician will receive an individual link to access the survey via the email they have registered with Doctors of BC.
Last year’s survey results also showed that you demonstrate kindness and respect for your colleagues and that you value collaboration. These are the hallmarks of workplace culture and it is clear that you have worked together to define these standards. Thank you for your ongoing hard work and dedication.
With thanks,
Dr. Ben T. Williams, MD, CCFP
Vice President Medicine, Quality and Chief Medical Officer