We all share the same world - living in constant, fast-paced change. Open and honest communication on a timely basis strengthens an organization and reflects integrity. This session, utilizing the effects, impact and results of actual case studies, will demonstrate the importance of doing it right. What does it really mean to communicate with integrity?

Wendy Johnson, Director of Community Relations & Communications, Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga, ON

Ron Hill, Director of Communications & Public Relations, Misericordia Health Centre, Winnipeg, MB

Most marketing is aimed at getting customers. The best marketing aims at getting and keeping customers. In the pursuit of more customers — more donors, more doctors and nurses, more medical equipment — we usually lose interest after the conquest. The result is that we end up replacing donors, staff and relationships that should have never gone missing. This presentation will show who your customers are, and how to sell them time and time again on your relationship.

Dan Coggins, Principal, Pitchgreen Communications, Regina, SK

Capital Health was created in 2001 to build a population-health focused, community-based, integrated health system — a significant shift in purpose for most of the 10,000 staff. Creating a corporate identity provided an opportunity to create a symbol that unified three organizations toward a common vision. In this case study presentation, we’ll learn the difference between an identity and a brand, examine the business case for branding and learn more about the process to create an identity.

Lea Bryden, Vice President of Public Affairs, Capital Health, Halifax, NS

Ian Stewart, Marketing Advisor, Capital Health, Halifax, NS

This session will highlight how the three levels of the Canadian health care system collaborated to manage an issue that could have had far-reaching consequences for the food industry, the Canadian beef industry and the credibility of the national health system. Using a panel presentation, group discussion, video, handouts and a Q&A period, participants will have an opportunity to learn about the issues facing each organization, specific roles, the planning process and the strategic communication plan.

Marielle Gauthier, Communications Counsellor, Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, SK

Mark Wyatt, Director of Communications, Sask Health, Regina, SK

John Rainford, Chief, Crisis Communications, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON

Download powerpoint presentation here.

This session will look at ways to handle the media in your facility — both invited and not invited. Whether it’s a celebrity patient, someone with an unusual illness or disease, or even a TV crew filming real-life drama, communicators need to be prepared. And we need to respect the privacy legislation that all professionals must adhere to. Come and hear real case studies with practical strategies.

Panel Presentation including Jeff Vallentin, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Hamilton Health Sciences, ON, and Gillian Howard, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, University Health Network, Toronto, ON

Planning and executing a public event on a budget requires determination, talent and partnerships. Learn how to promote your health care facility the cheap and cheerful way by involving your stakeholder partners, staff and medical leadership. Using a Community Health Forum as a case study, the presenters will show how events such as this can raise your profile and your collaborative abilities. Video clips, survey tools and tips on gaining staff support will offer insight into this challenging element of health care PR.

Marjory Adkin-Wilson, Communications Coordinator, Niagara Health System, St. Catharines, ON

Christine Clark, Regional Director of Community Relations & Communications, Niagara Health System, St. Catharines, ON

We'll end the PR & Marketing Track with a session on the biggest newsmaker in recent health care history - SARS. Come and hear PR perspectives from several fronts including two hospital communicators (one at the epicentre and one on the western front!), Health Canada and Canada NewsWire.

Panel Members:
Melanie Kurzuk, Senior Vice-President, MultiMedia, Canada NewsWire, Toronto, ON

John Rainford, Chief, Crisis Communications, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON

Adrienne Jackson, Director, Public Affairs and Communications, The Scarborough Hospital, Scarborough, ON

Helen Carkner, Director, Media Relations & Issues Management, Fraser Health Authority, New Westminster, BC