Hospital revises its Patient Declaration of Values

By Gazette Staff

January 26, 2026

BURLINGTON, ON

Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) announced today the official launch of its refreshed Patient Declaration of Values (PDOV) to the Burlington community.

A skilled staff of 192 physicians, 1,994 full- and part-time staff and 368 volunteers are committed to providing exemplary care and living the hospital’s core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

This guiding document reflects what matters most to patients and families and reinforces JBH’s commitment to delivering compassionate, inclusive and person-centered care.

Originally introduced in 2010, the PDOV has served as a foundational statement of JBH’s values and care philosophy. The refreshed version was co-designed with JBH’s Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) and shaped by feedback from more than 20 internal and external groups. This work builds on JBH’s commitment to quality care and aligns with the Ontario Government’s Excellent Care for All Act, which supports the integration of patient values into hospital practices.

“The refreshed Patient Declaration of Values reflects our ongoing commitment to care that is shaped by the people we serve,” said Leslie Motz, JBH’s Executive Vice President Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive. “What matters to our community matters to us. This document is a clear expression of what patients and families value most, and a reminder to keep their voices at the centre of every decision we make.”

Hanadi, a Patient Family Advisor and newcomer to Canada, shared how meaningful the PDOV is to her and others navigating the health system for the first time. “For newcomers like me, the Patient Declaration of Values builds trust,” she said. “We know that our voices are heard and that our unique needs, like language support, cultural understanding, and feeling safe in a new environment, are recognized.”

Jill, a retired health care leader and dedicated family caregiver, also contributed to the refresh through her role as a PFA. “The Patient Declaration of Values isn’t just a document. It is a living framework that helps JBH deliver care that is respectful, responsive, and aligned with what matters most to patients and families,” she said. “It embeds the patient’s voice into the DNA of the hospital.”

Launching in January offers a meaningful opportunity to start the year with a renewed commitment to patients and families. JBH is proud to begin 2026 by reaffirming its dedication to person-centered care and strengthening its connection with the Burlington community.

To see the PDOV and learn more about how patient values guide care at JBH, visit josephbranthospital.ca/PDOV

About Joseph Brant Hospital

Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) is a full-service, academic community teaching hospital located in Burlington, Ontario, along the picturesque banks of Lake Ontario. It is a modern, state-of-the-art facility serving residents in Burlington as well as the surrounding communities of Halton Region, Hamilton, Waterdown, Flamborough, and Stoney Creek.

JBH’s skilled staff of 192 physicians, 1,994 full- and part-time staff and 368 volunteers are committed to providing exemplary care and living the hospital’s core values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.

JBH is a Clinical Education site in conjunction with McMaster University and a partner member of the Burlington Ontario Health Team. It is honoured to be recognized as one of Hamilton Niagara’s Top Employers for 10 consecutive years.