Who We Are

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is responsible for delivering quality health-care to approximately 541,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The provincial health authority is supported by over 23,000 employees and physicians who together work to improve the health and well-being of every person, in every community.

Our Engagement Framework

We value the contributions of every person in making our health-care system better and stronger. 

NL Health Services uses public engagement to gather public feedback on the decisions we must make as we create an integrated, accessible, technologically enhanced, equitable, and sustainable health system. Our Engagement Framework explains why, how and when we engage.

Not every decision we make as an organization can benefit from public engagement. Opportunities for engagement vary from project to project and from situation to situation. Typically, engagement involves a hybrid of activities across a continuum, or spectrum. The most appropriate approach depends on the issue and the goals. 

Engagement Levels

1. Inform: We will provide the public with balanced and objective information to help them understand the problem, options and opportunities. Our promise to the public: We will keep you informed.
2. Consult: We will get feedback on analysis and decisions. Our promise to the public: We will listen to your concerns and hopes, and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
3. Involve: We will work directly with you to ensure that public concerns and aspirations are directly reflected in alternatives developed. Our promise to the public: We will let you know how public feedback influenced the decision.
4. Collaborate: We will partner wit the public on each aspect of the decision. Our promise to the public: We will seek your advice in formulating solutions and incorporate your recommendations to the maximum extent possible.
5. Empower: We will place the final decision-making authority in the hands of the public. Our promise to the public: We will implement what you decide.

The NL Health Services public engagement spectrum has been adapted from materials created by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), an international organization dedicated to advancing public participation and engagement as foundational practices across all organizations and industries. The IAP2 spectrum, tools and techniques are adopted broadly by healthcare organizations in North America.

FAQ

What is public engagement?

At NL Health Services, public engagement is an intentional process of working with publics in meaningful, inclusive, and respectful ways to shape decisions, actions, impacts, or change. It is value-based, people-centred, relationship-focused, goal-driven, and outcome-oriented.

What are 'publics'?

'Public' is a broad, inclusive term for all individuals or groups interested in or affected by a decision, plan, or action. Included are:

• Clients, patients, and families are those accessing NL Health Services programs at a specific time.
• Interest holders are delegated representatives of a government, organization, association, or group with a particular interest in an issue and its outcome. They also include NL Health Services staff, leaders, and physicians. Interest holders play a crucial role in public engagement by representing the interests of their respective groups and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Community is a group of people who share a community of place or other identify-forming characteristics such as social ties or common perspectives.

When will the organization use public engagement?

NL Health Services uses public engagement when:

• we have to make a decision or change, or we want to explore an opportunity; AND
• public feedback can have an input on what we have to decide.

We believe that those impacted by our decisions have a right to be involved in the decision-making process where possible.

Will you commit to implementing my ideas if I share them with you?

While we cannot always implement every idea submitted or make the decisions all individuals may want us to make, we do commit to ensuring decision-makers know public perspectives and consider the impacts that a decision may have on the public. When we engage, we commit that the public's contribution will influence the decision or outcome at the level indicated on our spectrum. And we will make publicly available information on how and why decisions are made.

Is this website the only way I can contribute?

When we design public engagement, we will choose activities that provide the best opportunity for those interested and impacted to express their views, have their input considered and hear their voices. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible. Depending on the project, this platform may be the only type of engagement offered, or it may just one of the opportunities to engage. Other types of public engagement include information kiosks and displays, public meetings, virtual and in-person sessions and workshops, committees and working groups, and more!

Why do I have to register to participate?

Registration is a way for the organization to protect the integrity of the information we receive. Registration also helps us better analyze the feedback. Registering and subscribing to our newsletters and updates also means that you can select the type of information you want to receive from us. We can ensure you are kept informed about how your feedback compares to others (What We Heard reports) and how your input was used by the organization.

I'm registered. Why can't I see the engagement opportunities?

Remember: once you register to participate, you must also log in every time you return to the page. Log in is located in the top bar of the site, to the right of the "search" box.

Who do I contact to learn more about engagement at NL Health Services?

For information on the organization's public engagement efforts, please contact the Office of Public Engagement and External Relations by emailing engage@nlhealthservices.ca.