As a pioneer in patient and public engagement Vancouver Coastal Health has a lot to be proud of when it comes to community engagement.  But at the twice-annual CEAN forum on Saturday, the discussion was all about looking to the future.

Forty members of the Community Engagement Advisory Network (CEAN) met alongside members of VCH’s staff, Senior Executive Team and Board of Directors to take a hard look at how we engage the public and how we can “up our game” through a new engagement strategy.

In her remarks to the group, VCH President and CEO, Mary Ackenhusen spoke about the drive for innovation and change inside VCH in order to meet growing demand.  As the organization makes decisions that will shape services into the future, she spoke about the importance of including the voice of the people we serve in this change process.

CEANs echoed Mary’s comments, calling on VCH to hear from more diverse voices to inform decisions. Online surveys, social media and video-conferencing were seen as key tools for enabling participation particularly among groups like youth, caregivers and residents of rural and remote communities.

Beyond the “how” CEANs also urged VCH to consider the “when.” “My one-word for the future of engagement at VCH is ‘soon’” said CEAN member Johanna Trimble.  “VCH needs to involve the public earlier so we have a real opportunity to influence the decision.”

VCH’s Community Engagement Team will use the ideas from the forum to develop a new community engagement strategy.  We welcome ideas and comments from staff on how you would like to see us “up our engagement game.”

More information?

Contact us at ce@vch.ca