Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at OSMH is an integral part of our value system as it recognizes and respects the dignity of every human being in the organization.
We will be successful in living our values by ensuring that all patient rights and privileges are adhered to according to the Human Rights Code of Ontario.
(The Ontario Human Rights Code prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offences, marital status, sexual orientation and physical or mental abilities.)
OSMH is also proud to offer enhanced cultural services to support Francophone and Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) patients and families.
If you would like to know more about our services at OSMH, please contact our Patient Experience office at the number below or at the following email patientrelations@osmh.on.ca
The office is open during regular business hours Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. The Patient Experience Office values feedback and will work to respond within 2-business days.
Inclusion and Belonging @ OSMH
At Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, inclusion and belonging are an important part of how we care for our patients and work with our community. We believe everyone deserves to feel respected, safe, and welcomed when they come to our hospital. Inclusion means recognizing and valuing differences, such as culture, language, identity, ability, and life experiences. Belonging means people feel accepted and able to be themselves without fear of judgment. These values help us provide compassionate, safe, and high-quality care for everyone. Our approach aligns with the Ontario Health Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti Racism Framework, which guides health organizations across the province to reduce barriers and improve care for all.
We work closely with community partners to better understand and meet the needs of the people we serve. These partnerships include, the Indigenous Health Circle, Francophone services, 2SLGBTQIA+ initiatives as well as cultural and spiritual care providers.
We also work with regional partners through the Couchiching Ontario Health Team. To support learning and self-awareness, OSMH uses the Intercultural Development Continuum (IDC) as a framework for cultural understanding with utilization of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI).
Learn more about the IDI
If you would like to learn more about inclusion and belonging at OSMH, please email the Diversity Equity Inclusion Reconciliation and Belonging Committee at DEIRB@osmh.on.ca
Indigenous Patient Navigator
The Indigenous Patient Navigator provides support to First Nations, Metis and Inuit patients and their families that visit Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. The Indigenous Patient Navigator is onsite 4 days/week and 1 day/week at the Rama Health Centre.
Services offered:
- Support before, during, and after hospital visits as well as clinic appointments
- Liaison, support between the care team, patients, and families
- Advocacy on behalf of patients
- Assistance with care planning
- Coordination of traditional and non-traditional community resources
Contact our Indigenous Patient Navigator:
Call or Text:
Pastoral & Spiritual Care Services & Worship Centre
We are proud to offer pastoral and spiritual care services provided by a diverse team of volunteers who embrace a variety of approaches for a multitude of faiths and beliefs. They fulfil the community’s need for religious and spiritual comfort while in the hospital and do so with a respectful and sensitive approach.
Our pastoral and spiritual care volunteers serve those of any faith, those of no faith, and those who are undecided. Members of our volunteer team are experienced in supporting patients and their families across the organization including palliative care, dialysis and maternity. Group sessions on spirituality are also provided for both inpatients and outpatients in the mental health program.
Our team is comprised of volunteers representing our community agencies, local and surrounding churches (places of worship) as well as Rama First Nations. The long-standing affiliation with the Army Navy Air Force Unit 400 and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34, have volunteers who provide comfort and support to patients with military service.
Our team mission is to ensure multi-faith and multi-cultural care is made available to all patients and families to complement care and comfort during the hospital experience. To enrich the lives of our patients and families, weekly non-denominational music services are held on the complex continuing care unit (4th floor)every Thursday at 2:30 pm. In addition, our diverse team facilitates a variety of special religious and ceremonial requests such as communion, baptism and smudging.
OSMH also offers a dedicated resilience space currently known as the Worship Centre. It is a place of tranquility and peace that welcomes those of any faith, those of no faith and those who have yet to make that decision. The Worship Centre is located near the main entrance lobby and is accessible to patients, families and visitors 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.
It is through all these collaborative volunteer efforts that OSMH has been successful in caring for patients as a whole person through their healthcare journey.
For more information, please contact
If interested in becoming a volunteer to provide pastoral and spiritual care services, please visit our Join our Team page under the Become a Volunteer.
Francophone Patients and Families
To enhance the delivery of care and services for Francophone patients and families, OSMH is pleased to offer referrals for cultural and linguistic supports in partnership with the French Language Health System Patient Navigator located at the Chigamik Health Centre, Midland Ontario.
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources
Please visit HERE for 2SLGTBQIA+ Community Services and Resources Contact Information.