Healthcare Excellence Canada
 | |
| Formation | March 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organization |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
Region served | Canada |
Official language | English, French |
Key people | Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, President and CEO
|
Staff | 51–200[1] |
| Website | healthcareexcellence.ca |
Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization focused on improving healthcare quality and safety across Canada. Established in March 2021 through the amalgamation of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, HEC collaborates with partners nationwide to accelerate the identification, spread, and scale of proven healthcare innovations.[2]
Background
HEC was created to build upon the legacies of its predecessor organizations, combining their strengths to enhance capacity for delivering lasting improvements in healthcare. The organization is primarily funded by Health Canada and operates as a pan-Canadian entity, engaging with diverse stakeholders including patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and policymakers.[2]
Strategy and focus areas
HEC's inaugural five-year strategy (2021–2026) was developed with input from individuals across all provinces and territories. The strategy emphasizes:
- Improving care for older adults with health and social needs
- Bringing care closer to home and community with safe transitions
- Supporting health workforce retention and well-being
- Embedding safety and quality across all initiatives
Fostering inclusive and equitable care through meaningful partnerships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, among others[2]
Leadership
HEC is led by President and CEO Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, who brings extensive experience in healthcare quality and safety. The organization's senior leadership team comprises experts in patient safety, quality improvement, health policy, and knowledge translation. Additionally, HEC's volunteer Board of Directors includes leaders passionate about enhancing healthcare for everyone in Canada.[3]
Programs and initiatives
HEC collaborates with individuals and organizations across the country to implement programs that drive measurable improvements in healthcare. As highlighted in its 2023–24 Impact Report, HEC supported over 1,000 teams serving more than 920,000 patients and residents annually.[4]
Key initiatives include:
Care Forward: A pan-Canadian movement launched in May 2025, offering funding, coaching, resources, and peer support to help teams drive greater impact across four key priorities.[5]
Enhanced Recovery Canada: Providing surgical pathways and patient resources to improve outcomes and experiences in surgeries such as colorectal, gynecologic, and orthopedic procedures.[6]
Partnerships
HEC works collaboratively with a diverse range of partners, including:
- Patients, families, and caregivers
- Healthcare providers and leaders
- Healthcare quality and safety organizations
First Nations, Inuit, and Métis governments and health regions[7]
These partnerships aim to foster inclusive and equitable care, ensuring that diverse perspectives inform healthcare improvements.
Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
HEC has developed a Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan to guide its efforts in honoring the traditional territories upon which its staff and partners live, work, and play. The plan outlines steps to embed Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into healthcare improvement initiatives.[8]
References
- ↑ "Healthcare Excellence Canada". LinkedIn. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "About Us". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ "Meet the Senior Leadership Team". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ "2023–24 Impact Report: Building Momentum, Sustaining Impact". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ "Healthcare Excellence Canada". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ "Healthcare Excellence Canada's Patient Engagement Framework". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ "Partnerships". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
- ↑ "Our Strategy". Healthcare Excellence Canada. Retrieved 2025-05-11.
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