For more than 175 years, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton has been guided by the values of compassionate care: dignity, respect, service, justice, responsibility and enquiry. As we look back on the past year, we are proud to share the milestones that have shaped our journey and reaffirmed our commitment to building a healthcare environment where everyone belongs and thrives.

In 2024-2025, more than 5,850 St. Joe’s staff members supported every birth, recovery and act of care; including 662 active medical professionals, 3,687 learners, over 300 volunteers and 40 family advisors. This year, we deepened our efforts to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous Reconciliation (EDI-IR) into every layer of our organization. We know that compassionate care can only flourish in an environment where every individual feels safe, respected and valued. Guided by the vision of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2015 Report, we continue to build a healthcare system that is inclusive, accessible and just for all.

“At St. Joe’s, we believe that our people are at the heart of everything we do,” says Carrie Fletcher, executive vice president, people, culture and diversity. “Building an inclusive culture is not just a priority – it’s a responsibility we embrace every day.”

Our commitment to inclusion extended into our hiring practices, where we filled more than 2,000 positions with a strong focus on equity and representation. We achieved a remarkable 99.3% retention rate for fiscal 2024-25, a testament to the supportive and inclusive environment we strive to foster. Our revamped performance appraisal process and new mentorship program – shaped by feedback from our engagement survey – are helping staff grow and thrive in their careers.

We know that inclusion extends beyond programs – it’s about creating a workplace where people can bring their authentic selves every day. Guided by the vision and values of the Sisters of St. Joseph, seeking justice and equity for all, and by the Truth and Reconciliation commission’s 2015 Report, SJHH is committed to providing a respectable, accessible and inclusive environment for all patients, employees, physicians, volunteers, learners and visitors.

Our revamped performance appraisal process ensures feedback is meaningful and inclusive, and we launched a mentorship program to support growth and career development, informed by our engagement survey.

We also took time to celebrate our people. Events like St. Joe’s Day, Summer Sizzlers, treat trolleys and the Starry Night holiday party brought joy and connection to our halls, reminding us that our strength lies in our diversity and unity.

As we reflect on this year, we recognize that our journey toward equity and inclusion is ongoing. It requires leadership, resources, open dialogue and the voices of our community. Together we are building a more inclusive, equitable and compassionate St. Joe’s – for each other and for our community.