Pandemic recovery and health system resilience

Even before the pandemic, safe and high-quality healthcare was not a reality for everyone in Canada. The pandemic has compounded and added to existing strains on the health system, resulting in a burnt-out workforce, worsening inequities in care for many groups and serious questions about whether traditional care models are equipped to meet changing health needs.

Yet despite these challenges, COVID-19 has shown how much we can achieve when we come together to tackle big problems. From rapidly adopting virtual care when other options weren’t available, to hospitals, public health units and long-term care homes partnering to care for the most vulnerable, innovative solutions to longstanding needs offer inspiration for the path to safer care for everyone in Canada. 

How is Healthcare Excellence Canada supporting pandemic recovery and resilience? 

We believe safe, equitable and high-quality healthcare should be available to everyone in Canada. That’s why we are supporting people across the country to respond to the evolving phases of the pandemic in ways that build greater health system resilience, including by: 

• connecting with health leaders across the country to identify promising innovations and supporting policy-makers to design systems that address ongoing pandemic needs while improving delivery of care for all
• working with health and care organizations to support them to re-integrate, welcome and engage Essential Care Partners as part of care teams during COVID-19 and beyond, and create environments that support meaningful partnerships with patients and care partners
• equipping primary care providers with knowledge and tools to deliver virtual care safely and equitably, including in rural and remote areas
• convening and supporting quality and safety networks and alliances across the country, including long-term care and retirement homes, to strengthen ongoing pandemic response through access to peer support, virtual learning, coaching and seed funding
• improving support for underserved people and those who care for them, through virtual learning opportunities that connect residential substance use centres and emergency shelters