We have updated our Birchmount Hospital phone lines. When you call through the main line (416-495-2400), you will need to add “7” when dialing an extension.

Community Advisory Council

The Community Advisory Council (CAC) is Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) “community voice”, serving as a direct connection between our hospital and the community. This volunteer body meets quarterly and provides input into the hospital’s community engagement strategy and to our Board of Directors on matters regarding patient services, access to care, and more.

There are six key objectives that are fulfilled by the Community Advisory Council:

  1. Act as an advisory resource to the hospital’s Board of Directors on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of hospital activities in alignment with the strategic plan.
  2. Serve as a formal mechanism for the exchange of ideas and discussion of community concerns and ideas related to the hospital, as identified by CAC members and by members of the community served by the hospital.
  3. Strengthen and maintain partnerships between the community and the hospital.
  4. Serve as one of the hospital’s communications and outreach channels to the community on the work and plans of the hospital and its impact on the community.
  5. Participate in the hospital’s community engagement strategy, as appropriate.
  6. Participate in the development, monitoring, and revision of the hospital’s Patient Declaration of Values.

The Community Advisory Council is composed of members who represent and reflect Scarborough’s diverse community. The selection process for members is conducted by the Governance Committee of the hospital’s Board of Directors and involves a robust recruitment, application, and interview process.

CAC Members

Omaje has previously worked at SHN in several roles including an Emergency Department unit clerk, and a project manager. He was involved in constituting many of our COVID-19 vaccination clinics and was closely involved in supporting our Epic digital transformation efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health, Aging and Society and a Business Management Certificate. Omaje currently works as a Management Consultant with Deloitte Consulting and keeps a keen interest and passion for Scarborough and SHN.

Alex is a Minister as St. Stephen’s Presbyterian Church. His background includes working as a personal support worker and as a volunteer hospital chaplain. He has partnered with various community stakeholders to advocate for change in Scarborough. He has a passion for working with all faith leaders in this vibrant and diverse community.

Sarah is a Research Program Assistant at the Alzheimer Society of Canada and is currently completing her Masters Degree in Public Health. She is passionate about public health and community engagement.

Dr. Ablack is a retired family doctor who practiced in Scarborough for seventeen years and was on staff at the Centenary site. Dr. Ablack also worked abroad for several years in Trinidad and in Barbados in a government community health clinic. As a family physician, cancer survivor ,and patient family advisor, Doreen brings a unique perspective to our Community Advisory Council. She had previously served on Rouge Valley Health System’s Community Advisory Group.

Mr. Bhardwaj is a real estate conveyancer and an active community member who currently serves as the President of the Scarborough Bluffs Rotary Club and a Director for the Scarborough Business Association Board. He had previously served on Rouge Valley Health System’s Community Advisory Group.

Daniel has worked as Director of Canada Field Operations for SE Canada Inc. O/A Service Experts HVAC, the largest Heating and Air Conditioning Company in North America. He has been an active volunteer in SRH’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for over five years and is also a patient family advisor. He had previously served on Rouge Valley Health System’s Community Advisory Group and has been a patient at the Centenary site. In addition to his work with SRH, Daniel is an active supporter of a variety of other fundraising events and organizations.

A retired social worker and health administrator, Raymond immigrated from Hong Kong and has lived from in Scarborough since 1976. Raymond has a special interest in issues related to child welfare, the impact of migration on newcomers’ health, funding for youth and adult mental health, and the implementation of a diversity policy in the health care system.

Irmi is the Manager of the Toronto East Quadrant Local Immigration Partnership. She is a member of a number of community organizations, including her local neighbourhood association and the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization.

Lydia is a retired teacher and volunteer with the Toronto Public Library, an ESL volunteer teacher, and a Board member of the Highland Creek Community Association. She is an active member of her community with a passion for helping others, especially those who are new to our country. She is also a volunteer member at the University of Toronto’s Campus Council and Academic Affairs.

Godha is a Board Member of the South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario and volunteers with the Agincourt Community Services Association Food Bank. Prior to retiring, Godha worked at the Research Institute of SickKids Hospital for nearly 40 years. She is a former member of The Scarborough Hospital’s Community and Patient Advisory Council.

Patrick has been a resident of Scarborough for more than 35 years. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces and served five years. This time included a tour of duty in far northern Canada. Mr. Sherman completed his post-secondary education at night while launching a successful 32 year career with IBM Canada. This involved a succession of client facing senior management positions in sales, marketing, and service delivery. On retiring from IBM, he spent the next 15 years as a private consultant to the Ontario health sector specializing in corporate governance, information privacy, and information technology security. He was a director of a publicly traded Canadian Corporation and has experience with mergers and acquisitions.

Joanna is a Registered Nurse with an extensive background in clinical research, emergency nursing, and community nursing. She holds a MSc in clinical research and is currently working with Veterans Affairs Canada as a District Nursing Officer for Scarborough supporting veterans and families in the community. She is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and experiences on senior’s and community affairs with the Community Advisory Council.

Reshma teaches at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus and undertakes research focused on newcomers to Canada, health equity, and vulnerable populations at the Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities. She holds a PhD in Health Policy and Equity. She is also involved in digital health at Ontario Health. She has lived in Scarborough for the past nine years.

Tiina is a University of Toronto PhD student focused on palliative care as well as a teaching assistant at both the St. George and Scarborough campuses. She is currently working with the Sinai Health Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care as part of her fieldwork. She arrived in Scarborough in 2017 and is currently on the Board of Directors of her community’s long term care home.

Nivetha was born and raised in Scarborough and is a very big fan of our Love, Scarborough campaign. She is a graduate student at the University of Toronto, very passionate about health equity, and actively involved in student government and student advocacy.

Akshayaa is a second year undergraduate student at University of Toronto Scarborough Campus studying population health. She was born and raised in Scarborough and is very passionate about her community. She has a keen interest in youth mental health.

Donna has been involved with SHN in the past as a patient and volunteer. She is a member of the Local Champion Network and a Chester Lee Community Centre volunteer. She is part of the Scarborough Food Network, the Agincourt Community Services, Parks People, and the Steele’s L’Amoreaux Network. She also works with seniors to help get them to services within the Scarborough area.

Reporting

The CAC is guided by an annual work plan that they have developed, which aligns with hospital priorities.

The CAC reports to the Board of Directors at their regularly scheduled meetings. These reports include updates on regular agenda items, as well as special reports that address specific matters.