(Durham Region) – May 26, 2025 – Lakeridge Health is proud to be taking an important step forward in its Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (IDEAA) Multi-Year Action Plan with the introduction of an expanded five-year Accessibility Plan.
“At Lakeridge Health, we know that, in order to truly deliver patient-centred care and promote psychological safety in the workplace, everyone’s accessibility needs must be considered from the start,” said Cordelia Clarke Julien, Chair, Board of Trustees, Lakeridge Health. “As the largest health-care provider and one of the largest employers in Durham Region, we are dedicated to ensuring equal access for all individuals with disabilities – including patients, families, visitors, along with our staff, physicians, and volunteers.”
“In 2023, Lakeridge Health committed to grounding the organization’s accessibility work in a ‘nothing about us, without us’ approach, ensuring the voices of people with disabilities lead our efforts,” explained Dr. Randy Wax, Chief of Staff, Lakeridge Health. “Since that time, the Accessibility Plan has continued to take shape through community conversations, a disability justice audit of our hospitals, team member engagement surveys, and insights from patient and family advisors. By incorporating the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, we aim not only to meet, but to exceed Ontario's accessibility standards.”
Lakeridge Health’s 2023-2028 Accessibility Plan outlines what has been completed and the barriers that will be addressed in four key areas, including:
- Organizational, planning, and transparency initiatives.
- Technology, information, and communication enhancements.
- Efforts to foster an inclusive workplace.
- Improvements to the design of physical spaces.
“Our Accessibility Plan is the result of the dedication and hard work of Lakeridge Health’s Accessibility Committee, which includes our partners at the Abilities Centre, who have shared invaluable insights," added Cynthia Davis, President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “We are truly grateful for everyone’s tireless efforts that have helped to develop this integral roadmap for our organization.”
Lakeridge Health will continue to advance this transformative work by:
- Eliminating barriers in service, work, and learning environments.
- Promoting accessibility and inclusive design principles, strengthening the culture of inclusion.
- Engaging stakeholders, integrating feedback, and promoting systemic change.
- Maintaining compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)/ Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) standards.
- Championing the four pillars of accessibility: Employment, Information and Communication, Transportation, and the Built Environment.
Lakeridge Health’s five-year Accessibility Plan, along with information about the organization's IDEAA Multi-Year Action Plan, is available on the Lakeridge Health website.
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About Lakeridge Health
With five hospitals, four emergency departments, three critical care units, a long-term care home, a full range of medical and surgical specialties, more than 20 community health-care locations and a state-of-the-art surgical centre within the Jerry Coughlan Health & Wellness Centre, Lakeridge Health offers some of the broadest and most comprehensive acute care, ambulatory care, and long-term care services in Ontario.
Lakeridge Health is also home to several regional specialty centres and services, including the Central East Regional Cancer Program, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, The Shoulder Centre, eye care, thoracic, gynecology oncology and chronic kidney disease services. Additionally, we are proud to serve our community with a full suite of inpatient, ambulatory, and community-based mental health and addictions services, and provide safe, high-quality, compassionate care in our state-of-the-art long-term care home, Lakeridge Gardens.
Lakeridge Health is redefining the future of health care through transformative research, dynamic academic partnerships, and groundbreaking clinical trials. With over 140 active studies, we’re at the forefront of advancing medical knowledge, expanding treatment options, and improving the lives of our patients. Our one-of-a-kind Queen's-Lakeridge Health MD Family Medicine Program is on the leading edge of training the next generation of primary care doctors. Each year, over 3,000 students and trainees are supported by the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network (LHEARN). Through our innovative collaboration with Ontario Tech University, we’re also harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize patient care. Together with our academic, community, and industry partners, Lakeridge Health is tackling the toughest health challenges and elevating the quality of care for the communities we serve.
Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a proud member of the Durham Ontario Health Team (Durham OHT) and works in collaboration with the Durham OHT, as well as primary care, and community and government partners to foster a truly integrated, regional system of care. Together, we are focused on empowering people to live their best health and fostering an accessible, inclusive, and equitable environment for all.
For more information contact:
Sharon Navarro
Manager, Public Relations
Lakeridge Health
905-453-7889
snavarro@lh.ca
