Strategic Plan 2001-2003: Background

The strategic planning process of the OCCHA Board of Directors was conducted in three phases:

1. A focus group session was held in March 2001 with representatives from both accredited and non-accredited health units. The purpose of the focus group was to discuss barriers to participation in the accreditation process, to explore ideas for facilitating participation in accreditation, and to identify potential initiatives for enhancing both OCCHA and the accreditation process.

2. A provincial survey was distributed to all public health units in April 2001. The survey was based on the recommendations of the focus group, feedback from previous accreditation surveys and discussions of the OCCHA Board of Directors. Participants were asked to prioritize key areas of focus and to indicate their level of agreement with numerous statements of future directions. Response to the survey was high and feedback was received from both accredited and non-accredited health units.

3. A strategic planning session of the OCCHA Board of Directors was conducted on April 27, 2001. The results of both the focus group session and the provincial survey on accreditation were reviewed and a number of strategic directions were endorsed. Further discussion and prioritization of specific activities took place on June 29, 2001 and a strategic plan for 2001-2003 was drafted.

On October 29, 2001, the OCCHA Board of Directors approved its strategic plan for 2001-2003, including mission statement and objectives. Implementation plans were also reviewed for each strategic direction.

The OCCHA Board of Directors would like to thank all those who participated in the strategic planning process, including focus group participants and survey respondents. In addition, the Board of Directors would like to thank Mr. Bill Staples, ICA Associates, for his facilitation of both the focus group and strategic planning sessions.