MMC eNews Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Themes: What We Heard from You

August 31, 2020

 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Themes: What We Heard from You

 

As we continue to build our organizational Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, we want to share what we heard at the listening sessions that took place earlier this summer. Almost 300 of you gave us your thoughts on the state of DEI at Maine Medical Center, in answer to the following questions: What is it that you see and experience, what is it you need and what do you recommend?

 

You gave us honest, thoughtful responses. The following are representative themes from those conversations:

Education and Tools

There is a desire for education and support on a wide variety of topics relating to diversity, equity and inclusion. This is to include an understanding from both a patient and team member perspective and to provide knowledge as well as tools to support each other and our patients.  

Welcoming and Inclusive Culture

There is a desire for a culture where all people feel valued and included. People are seeking an ownership of behavior at all levels and a desire for everyone to “walk the talk” of our values. 

Diverse Representation

There is a desire to see more diverse representation across leadership and care teams and a desire to ensure hiring processes are equitable and any potential bias is reduced. 

Patient Experience

There is a desire to ensure the needs of our diverse patients are included in the overall care plan and that team members have adequate education and support in meeting these needs.

 

Organizational Longevity

There is desire to ensure that DEI is embedded in the fabric of the culture. 

We’re going to use these themes, combined with DEI best practices, to make up our first DEI plan, that we intend to roll out later this year. More information will be presented about the goals and tactics this fall.