By Emily Dawson

The idea of form meeting function came to life on April 13 when Providence opened its Knowledge Centre.

We’ve long been an organization that thrives on collaboration, discovery, and high quality care; until the Knowledge Centre, however, we lacked a conducive environment to more fully support professional development and home-grown innovation.

Staff have moved into their offices and have been busy exploring the entire environment – and their excitement is clear. They love the bright, dynamic spaces; they are looking forward to the learning and discovery that will come; and they are proud that Providence recognizes the value of their contributions and is committed to continued improvements in patient care.

“I took my wife and son on a tour yesterday,” says Shawn Brady, director, Interprofessional Practice. “I was proud to show it to them because of the commitment to our clinicians that it demonstrates. We know that the learning and collaboration the Knowledge Centre will generate will translate into better patient experiences in the future.”

The Knowledge Centre houses the BMO Resource Centre, simulation labs, classrooms and a computer lab. We’ve also created modern and flexible meeting spaces such as collaboration rooms that can be configured as full rooms, hubs, or pods. There’s a buzz around the organization as staff and students explore the bright, dynamic spaces – and a gratitude to the many donors who funded the $2.5 million capital project.

Shawn is excited by the practice consultants’ office, which operates as a communal work station. By locating nursing and professional practice leads (e.g., nutrition and food services, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech language pathology, therapeutic reputation) together, we promote teamwork, inclusion and sharing of best practices among peers. “It is part of an organizational strategy to break down silos and create connectivity,” says Shawn.

“The pace of change in health care is extraordinary. The future of bedside care is vastly different than what it is today,” said Dr. Peter Nord, vice-president, and chief medical officer. “We know that we must invest in our greatest asset – our people – if we are to provide the best care experience to our patients, residents and clients.”