Welcome to From the Frontlines, a special Healthcare Change Makers mini-series. Healthcare providers and support staff have been on the frontlines, fighting for Canadians since the start of this pandemic. In this series we're handing the microphone over to some of those amazing individuals.

Today, HIROC's Michelle Holden and Philip De Souza sit down with three members of the Corporate Communications Team at The Ottawa Hospital. We hear from Bernie Etzinger (Chief Communications and Outreach Officer), Brooke Peloquin (Internal Communications Coordinator) and Michaela Schreiter (Media Relations Officer).

When COVID-19 arrived on the radar earlier in the year, the team was called into action to support hospital staff, partners and the community at large. Hear from Bernie, Brooke and Michaela about what it was like to stand up one of the first assessment centres, and the tactics they've been using to keep staff and community partners connected in times of great change.

And, if you get a chance, check out On Call: The Ottawa Hospital Podcast hosted by Michaela Schreiter.

Key Takeaways:

[2:41] Internal communications tactics the team employed during the pandemic

[8:44] Stronger together – working with public health and other hospitals in the region

[10:25] How Corporate Communications worked with teams to stand up the assessment centre

[13:00] Solidifying a relationship with the media during the pandemic

[16:24] Connecting the dots with stakeholders – the team's special sauce

[18:04] Transitioning to a new CEO in the midst of the pandemic

Mentioned in this Episode:

• The Ottawa Hospital

• Cameron Love

• Jack Kitts

• Ottawa Public Health

• On Call: The Ottawa Hospital Podcast

Access more interviews with healthcare leaders at HIROC.com/podcast

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