Compensation  BACK TO TOP

Salary  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services provides competitive compensation that matches union collective agreements for our comparative non-union employees.

Percentage in Lieu of Benefits  BACK TO TOP

Regular part time employees are provided with a percentage in lieu of benefits that covers payment for statutory holidays and may be used to purchase private benefit coverage or to contribute toward the Hospital’s pension plan.

Premiums  BACK TO TOP

Premiums are paid to workers who work shifts/weekends or are in-charge. Actual premiums are determined by the union group or the comparative collective agreement for non-union workers.

Referral Bonus  BACK TO TOP

The Hospital pays employees for making successful employee referrals to positions that are identified under this program.

Benefits  BACK TO TOP

Benefits Plan for Full Time Employees  BACK TO TOP

Full time employees may choose between a traditional and flexible benefit plan depending on which benefit plan suits their individual needs.

The Traditional Plan offers a wide array of coverage for extended health and dental benefits which will appeal to an individual that requires conservative benefits coverage.

The Flexible Plan will appeal to those individuals who have coverage elsewhere or have low utilization of the benefits plan. In this plan, individuals may take advantage of using their Health Spending Account dollars to purchase benefits which may not be covered under a Traditional Plan.

The Hospital provides all full time employees with life and long term disability coverage.

Emergency medical coverage when you travel out of the province.  BACK TO TOP

As part of your Extended Health Care plan you, your spouse and children who are included in your extended health care plan can receive travel assistance any time they leave the province. This provides you with on-the-spot support to help you access medical treatment and other services in a medical emergency.

Benefit Coverage for Part Time Employees  BACK TO TOP

HHS has designed a benefits plan for part-time employees which can be purchased directly from the carrier, Menuflex. This plan has provisions for Extended Health, Dental and Long Term Disability Insurance.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan with the Hospital of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)  BACK TO TOP

HOOPP has a strong history of providing a defined benefit plan to Ontario's healthcare community. It's one of the largest and most respected pension plans in the country and is an industry leader among multi-employer plans. In addition to your personal contribution, the Hospital contributes to fund this plan. Defined benefit advantage - As a defined benefit pension plan, HOOPP provides members with a retirement income based on a formula that takes into account a member's earnings history and length of service in the Plan. Once members start receiving a pension, they receive it for life.

Parking  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services offers on-site subsidized parking to staff at all three hospital sites.

Paid Holidays  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services exceeds the mandatory statutory holiday requirement and offers 12 paid holidays. Our non-union employees have two paid holidays that are not fixed and can be used as they desire.

Vacation Plans  BACK TO TOP

The Hospital provides competitive vacation plans. There is an Enhanced Vacation Plan (Site Specific) for non-union Registered Nurses. Non-union Registered Nurses with two or more years of experience will start with 4 weeks vacation upon hire.

Sub Top up for Maternity, Parental and Adoption leaves  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services has generous sub plan for employees on maternity, parental or adoption leave who are receiving Employment Insurance benefits. Top ups are available for 15 weeks during a maternity leave and 10 weeks for parental or adoption leave.

Paid Sabbatical Leave  BACK TO TOP

A paid sabbatical leave is available to employees wishing to spread 4 years salary over a 5 year period to allow them to take a one year paid leave of absence following the 4 years of salary deferral.

Home and Automobile Insurance  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services has an agreement with an independent carrier to offer competitive premiums at group discounted rates for Home and Automobile insurance.

RRSP Contribution  BACK TO TOP

The Hospital offers you the convenience of direct payroll deposit into an RRSP with Sun Life Financial, thereby allowing employees to save taxes up front.

Work-Life  BACK TO TOP

Healthy Workplace Recognition  BACK TO TOP

In 2005, HHS received the Healthy Hospital Innovator’s Award. The award was established to recognize OHA member organizations for their commitment to implementing a comprehensive and strategic approach to the development and sustainability of a healthy workplace. Activities highlighted in the HHS submission included; the introduction of the Kailo Program; the articulation of core values that demonstrate the importance that the organization places on the staff; and the establishment of educational programs that allow staff to achieve their full potential.

Recipients of the Healthy Hospital Innovator award receive national recognition and Level One recognition from the National Quality Institute’s Healthy Workplace Progressive Excellence Program (PEP). The NQI program is linked to the Canada Awards for Excellence Program (healthy workplace category) and is Canada’s most prestigious award for the development and sustainability of a healthy workplace.

In August of 2007, HHS applied for and subsequently received Level 2 PEP Certification. There are four levels in the National Quality Institutes PEP Program. Halton Healthcare Services intends to continue building upon our experience and will be seeking Level 3 certification in the future.

In 2006, HHS received notification from Richard Yerema, Editor of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, that we were included on the shortlist for the 2007 edition of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Although, HHS was not published as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, it was an honour to be short-listed by an external agency from out of 1,500 applicants

Kailo:  A model staff wellness program at HHS!  BACK TO TOP

Kailo is our wellness program for staff at HHS. Kailo has a decidedly holistic approach to staff wellness focusing on stress management, life satisfaction and work-life balance to help staff achieve optimum health. Kailo is based on a North American, award-winning hospital-based wellness program.  We want our staff to be well in mind, body and spirit!  There is something for everyone:

On-site counseling
Mini-massage in all departments
Reiki and therapeutic touch for nursing delivered to the units
Guest speakers with free lunch
Craft club
Movement classes
Fun team-building games for departments as part of “Kailo to Go”
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Community celebrations, egg. “Death by Chocolate” Party on Valentine’s Day
Recognition treat baskets and mugs (“Kailo Muggings”)
Wellness library
Night-shift coffee cart

Good to Great Plan  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare established a Good to Great Plan in 2005 that encompassed customer service and quality of worklife. The program has resulted in a number of initiatives that have assisted employees. Employees received training on how to deal with upset customers/patients or distressed family members, and training on telephone skills. Fitness Centres were established on two sites. A Concerns/Complaint policy to ensure workplace concerns are addressed in a timely manner and a more comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) were introduced. A new Employee Development System for performance management was created based on HHS values. Employees are recognized annually at a special Good to Great Week through events for all staff and individually. Beginning in 2007, staff could nominate others who they felt excelled at customer service and exemplified the values of HHS.

Fitness Centres  BACK TO TOP

Milton District Hospital and Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital both have on-site fitness centres for the benefit of staff, physicians and volunteers (18 years and older). Once an orientation session has been completed, gym members are able to use the facilities free of charge 24 hours a day/7days a week at their convenience. Both facilities are well equipped with a variety of machines and exercise equipment as well as televisions, workout DVDs/videos and Radio/CD player. Funds have been reserved for the creation of a fitness centre at Georgetown Hospital for 2008/09.

Employee Assistance Program  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services offers a comprehensive employee assistance program (EAP) to all active employees and their dependants. Our provider is a Canadian pioneer in EAPs for over 25 years and has a worldwide network of counselors to provide prompt support. EAP services include professional counseling for you and your family members and specialized programs that focus on a range of work, family, and life issues.

Flexible Schedules  BACK TO TOP

There are many different schedules within the Hospital and opportunities to work on a full time, part time, or casual basis. Non-union registered nurses on many units follow a self-scheduling model. The Hospital also has opportunities for registered nurses to work job shares or as weekend workers.

Ancillary Benefits  BACK TO TOP

The Hospital provides discounted tickets to many of Ontario’s finest Theme Parks: African Lion Safari, Marineland, Ontario Place, Chinese Lantern Festival, Six Flags/Darien Lake, Wild Water Kingdom, and Canada’s Wonderland. The Hospital also provides discounted tickets to other events such as the spring and winter “One of a Kind Craft Show & Sale, Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club, and Boat Cruises from Toronto Harbour front.

The Hospital also sells Cineplex Odeon discounted theatre passes. Local retailers also provide discounts to staff such as Henry’s camera and the Brick who offer discounts several times a year. Other vendors come on site to provide special offers to our employees such as Rogers for their phones.

Sustainability  BACK TO TOP

The Halton Healthcare Services’ Housekeeping Department has received a ‘Prestige Award’ in recognition of the recycling efforts at our hospitals. Metals, batteries, cans, bottles, cardboard, light bulbs, organic waste, paper, grease, food waste, paper, shredded waste, plastics, newspapers, are all part of the recycling programs at the Halton Healthcare hospitals and new initiatives are always being explored.  

Our Food Services Department is gradually moving away from the use of Styrofoam containers in the cafeteria.  Styrofoam will be replaced with paper cups for the water machine and plastic plates for those who are eating in the cafeteria. Other initiatives in our ongoing efforts to find more environmentally friendly packaging include plans to change over to paper French fry containers and paper pizza triangles.

New recycling units were introduced in the cafeteria in 2007 for the recycling of cans and bottles.  This program has been very successful. In addition, food waste from patient trays and leftovers are put into a green bin for composting.

The Hospital also recycles paper in its effort to reduce waste.

Performance and Recognition  BACK TO TOP

Employee Development System  BACK TO TOP

Recognizing the need for a better performance appraisal system with a focus on employee development, the Hospital took the initiative to develop its own unique Employee Development System. Employees and Managers were provided with training on the new system and resource materials were developed including “The Big Fat Feedback Book for Employees” and “The Big Fat Feedback Book for Managers”.

The system is based on the Hospital’s values and six core competencies: Competent, Patient/Consumer Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Respect/Caring, and Fiscal Responsibility. The “Play Book” is provided to staff and reinforces the “rules of the game” for how we interact with each other at Halton Healthcare Services with a focus on Teamwork, Communication, and Respect/Caring.

Awards of Excellence  BACK TO TOP

MDH and GH both have an Award of Excellence to recognize a member of the staff who displays a commitment to their patients and families, demonstrates professional standards and practice and is highly respected for their strong support of the core values of Halton Healthcare Services. The recipient is announced at the HHS Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in June and receives a framed certificate and a cheque for $500. Consideration is being given to the establishment of the OTMH Award of Excellence.

Long Service Awards  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services honours employees for their dedication and commitment to the organization by providing long service awards from 5 years of service. All eligible employees and their families are invited to the Annual Awards Ceremony where they are presented with a symbolic pin by the CEO and the Chair of the Board. Additionally, employees with 20 years or more service are eligible to select from a variety of gifts from Birks.

Attendance Recognition Program  BACK TO TOP

Employees at Halton Healthcare Services are rewarded when they achieve Perfect Attendance. HHS offers an incentive award program that encourages staff to maintain regular attendance throughout the year. Employees who have perfect attendance for the entire year receive $200 cheque and are eligible to participate in several draws with a $3,000 travel voucher grand prize and $500 spending money.

Development and Career Opportunities  BACK TO TOP

Tuition Reimbursement  BACK TO TOP

Today, more than ever, education is extremely relevant for personal and professional growth. Halton Healthcare Services values and supports continuous learning in all levels of the organization and understands the financial burden that it may cause. We recognize this by offering our employees 100% tuition reimbursement for approved educational programs and courses. In 2007, 30 Registered Nurses enrolled in an on-site BScN program through Ryerson University. These nurses are being fully supported financially to take this program.

E-Learning  BACK TO TOP

Halton Healthcare Services’ staff can now log on from any computer that has high speed internet access - at work, home, or their favorite internet café - and with just a few clicks of their mouse, take courses online, anytime at their convenience, through HHS’ new eLearning Centre. HHS purchased and implemented a Learning Management System (LMS) in 2007 to host its courses online and help administer the eLearning Centre. The software assigns and tracks staff education, manages content and testing, and generates instant progress reports. A number of customized courses have been developed in-house at HHS, such as a Privacy and Confidentiality module, while a number of externally developed courses, such as the Ministry of Health’s Hand Hygiene module, have also been successfully adapted to HHS’ training needs. Designed with voice narration, they tap into both auditory and visual learning styles.

Enhanced Individualized Orientation Program for RNs & RPNs  BACK TO TOP

HHS provides a comprehensive competency based orientation program that caters to the unique needs of the new employee. We offer new grads and internationally educated nurses an enhanced orientation to prepare them for the acute inpatient care environment.

Preceptorship Education  BACK TO TOP

We have a very successful interprofessional preceptorship education program offered on-site. All employees who are selected as preceptors for new staff members are required to attend this educational session. Their participation prepares them for the challenging role of integrating new staff members.

Implementation of Best Practices  BACK TO TOP

Quality patient-centered care is paramount at HHS. As a learning organization committed to this philosophy, we are actively working towards integrating a number of key initiatives including the implementation of best practices in such areas as pressure ulcer prevention, least restraint, and client centre care to name a few. We are also actively engaged in interprofessional learning to enhance a collaborative practice environment.

"Grow Your Own" Opportunities  BACK TO TOP

HHS encourages all staff to grow their careers at HHS. For example, specialty clinical areas regularly offer internal and external RNs an opportunity to obtain the training they need to move into a specialty area. For example, starting in 2007, the OTMH ICU paid 100% of the cost for the Durham College "Critical Care Nursing Hub of Excellence" - a 4 month e-learning course that includes simulation education and hands-on preceptored experience in a critical care unit.  Upon successful completion of the course, a Level 2 Critical Care Certificate is awarded. Our Emergency Departments have provided financial support so that new grads and experienced RNs can attend the 8-week Emergency Certificate Program at George Brown College. The Renal Dialysis program has also offered a 6 week training program to RNs without hemodialysis experience.

Summer Student Opportunities  BACK TO TOP

Each year, HHS provides opportunities for students in nursing, pharmacy, kinesiology, information systems, etc. to gain valuable work experience. Students work full-time for 3 months over the summer and work alongside experienced professionals. This provides a great opportunity for students to earn an income while gaining experience in their chosen fields.

Working at a New Hospital  BACK TO TOP

Behind the scenes at Halton Healthcare Services, we are busily planning for a new greenfield hospital in Oakville and a large expansion in Milton.

New Oakville Hospital  BACK TO TOP

In September of 2005, Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) received approval to expand and relocate Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). This is an incredibly exciting project - it’s not everyday that you get to plan a hospital from the ground up. We have the unique opportunity of not just building a bigger and shinier hospital, but to explore new and creative ways of delivering healthcare to our community, close to home.

The site for the new hospital, which will replace the existing OTMH, is a 50-acre undeveloped piece of land that is located on the north-west corner of Dundas Street West and 3rd Line. The new facility will have more beds than Oakville’s existing hospital facility and will provide a full range of health services to the community.

The aim of the New Hospital is to achieve a minimum LEED rating of Silver.  LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and it’s a rating system based on implementing sustainable design and construction practices. 

Planning for the new Hospital is well underway. It is expected that construction will begin in 2010.

Milton Hospital Redevelopment/Expansion  BACK TO TOP

At the request of the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care, HHS is preparing a business case to support the much needed redevelopment and expansion of Milton District Hospital. Funding has been provided for planning to support the Stage One Business Case including the development of the Master Plan and Master Program. Built in 1959 to serve a population of 32,000 the hospital is now providing healthcare services to the 65,000+ residents of the fastest growing community in Canada.

The planning process has projected the population health needs out to 2026/27, such that the Milton community will have access to hospital services close to home. The Milton Hospital has the advantage of sitting on a 29 acre piece of property to expand and replace the present facility.