Empowering Caregivers at WDMH
June 25, 2025
June 25, 2025
Empowering Caregivers at WDMH
Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) is pleased to be a partner in the regional Essential Caregiver Program. We want to ensure that caregivers are a key part of the healthcare team.
Essential Caregivers are selected by the patient or substitute decision-maker, and may be a family member, friend or neighbor who is actively involved in the care provided to a person they are supporting. Essential Caregivers are individuals who advocate for the patient and provide the patient with critical, ongoing, personal, emotional and physical support and care.
“Unlike traditional visitors, Essential Caregivers are deeply familiar with the needs and behaviours of the person they support, enabling them to provide crucial insights to healthcare professionals, especially when the patient may be unable to communicate effectively,” explains Janie Desroches, WDMH’s Vice President, Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive.
Through the program, caregivers receive specialized training on various topics such as safety measures, privacy and consent, and how to wear personal protective equipment. Each caregiver is issued a personalized ‘I Am a Caregiver’ photo ID badge.
“By recognizing caregivers as essential partners, healthcare organizations not only enhance patient experiences but also create a more compassionate and inclusive care environment,” sums up Janie Desroches.
For more information about how to become an Essential Caregiver, please visit
www.wdmh.on.ca/essentialcarepartner or contact WDMH’s social worker at 613-774-2422 ext 6125.
If you would like to provide comments or suggestions about hospital services, please contact Cholly Boland, President and CEO, Winchester District Memorial Hospital at 613.774.1049 or by email at
cboland@wdmh.on.ca.