IWK French Language Services Plan for 2013-2014

Plan de services en français 2013-2014

IWK French Language Services Plan for 2012-2013

Plan de services en français 2012-2013

IWK French Language Services Plan for 2011-2012

Plan de services en français 2011-2012

A Message from Anne McGuire, President and CEO, IWK Health Centre

The IWK Health Centre provides quality care to women, children and youth from the Maritimes and beyond. In addition to tertiary (highly-specialized) care, the IWK also provides primary and secondary care services; the French-language Services Plan (FLSP) is a priority within all IWK programs and is led by the primary health portfolio. In the 2012-2013 year, the FLSP will continue to be a focus for the IWK Health Centre.

On that note, the IWK recognizes the importance of communication with patients and their families with respect to their individuality and unique backgrounds – including culture and language. As we implement various projects and initiatives, our focus remains celebrating the diversity of families who come to the IWK Health Centre.

Furthermore, we are committed to enhancing the French-language services we provide to the Acadian and Francophone families who live throughout our region and most importantly, utilize our services. The recognition of, and support for, the cultural and personal values of IWK patients as partners in the health care process is intrinsic to the IWK’s commitment to patient and family-centered care.

In 2009, the IWK developed a Diversity & Inclusion strategy that ensures the health centre remains committed to continually creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where diversity is respected, embraced and valued in all that we say and do. This commitment includes support for our patients and families who speak French, one of Canada's official languages. In addition to being part of the Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, this important work aligns well and is consistent with our accountability to the Nova Scotia French-language Services Act.

We are pleased to present the government of Nova Scotia with our 2012-2013 French-language Services Plan. The IWK is known as a centre for excellence throughout the Maritimes, and across Nova Scotia. Because of our specialized role, we have an ongoing need for advancement and change. As we move into the future, we will be looking to focus on transforming our services and ensuring we have the vital space, equipment and people needed to provide this highly specialized level of care.

We hope that this plan reflects our commitment to the French-language services and showcases our existing and future plans that will help support the province’s efforts to support the Acadian and Francophone community, and preserve the French-language for future generations.