Advancing Personalized Care: Nurses Drive Safety and Quality Improvements at Waterloo Regional Health Network
Kitchener, ON | May 7, 2026 — In celebration of Nursing Week, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) is highlighting the pivotal role of its Nursing Advisory Council (NAC) in advancing patient safety and elevating professional practice that is reimaging care for patients across the communities it serves.
Nursing week is celebrated each year nationally to acknowledge the incredible impact nurses have in shaping healthcare, driving innovation, and advocating for patient-centred care. This year’s theme is The Power of Nurses to Transform Health. At WRHN, the NAC serves as a cornerstone of the organization’s commitment to providing safe, seamless, and culturally appropriate care to patients—at home, in the community and in-hospital.
“The primary driver for the council is the recognition that sustainable improvement in patient outcomes must be informed by nurses themselves,” says Dr. Victoria Crowder-Bansen, Director, Professional & Collaborative Practice. “By using a grassroots approach, we ensure that care delivery remains evidence-informed, patient-focused, and consistent across every program we offer.”
By bringing together nursing leadership, professional practice experts, and point-of-care nurses, the council ensures that those closest to the patient are directly shaping the policies that govern their care.
The council was built upon a successful model originally established at the legacy St. Mary’s General Hospital. During the integration of the regional health network, this structure provided a foundation to accelerate the alignment of nursing practices while minimizing duplication.
A central focus of the NAC is the reduction of preventable harm—defined by the council as patient injuries or adverse outcomes that can be eliminated through standardized processes and proactive risk identification.
The council currently prioritizes four high-impact quality metrics:
Through specialized sub-councils, the NAC has already implemented standardized assessment practices and documentation standards. These changes ensure that no matter where a patient receives care, it’s the same reliable, high-quality care to help them achieve the best outcomes possible.
Beyond clinical metrics, the NAC has significantly influenced the culture of safety within WRHN. By providing a psychologically safe forum for advocacy and feedback, the council empowers nurses to be active partners in organizational decision-making.
Recommendations from the NAC are formally reported to senior leadership and the Quality and Patient Safety Committee, with the Chief Nursing Executive attending every meeting to create a direct link between point-of-care staff and the executive team. This monthly access ensures nurses have a dedicated space to speak up, share their experiences, and contribute ideas that directly influence corporate strategy. By integrating these front-line insights into daily workflows, the structure allows nurses to practice with greater confidence and clarity.
Ultimately, the Nursing Advisory Council improves the patient experience by ensuring nursing care is safe, consistent, and shaped directly by those providing care at the point-of-care.
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About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, we provide outstanding care that’s personal, seamless, and reimagined.
Learn more at WRHN.ca.
Media Contact:
Cassandra Easton
Public Affairs Lead
Waterloo Regional Health Network
[email protected]
519-584-5548