Interview with Lyndsay Tchegus-Veiga
Interview with Lyndsay Tchegus-Veiga
Lyndsay Tchegus-Veiga, director, client and family integrated care, 2023 – present
Lyndsay Tchegus-Veiga
Can you briefly tell us about you and your primary role at Holland Bloorview?
Prior to joining Holland Bloorview, I worked in the community health centre (CHC) sector for 16 years. I began my career as a health promoter, transitioned to health planning and data analytics, and have served in various senior leadership roles over the past 10 years. In my last role, I was responsible for the strategic oversight of community based primary health care and supportive housing services for various equity-deserving communities, including people with physical disabilities. I led a team of approximately 120 interdisciplinary staff and a core component of our collective work was advancing health equity and social justice initiatives. I also worked in partnership with Holland Bloorview for about 7-8 years and was responsible for operationalizing the spina bifida transitions program as an adult health system partner. That experience was actually how I came to learn about Holland Bloorview and its great work.
In terms of my current role, I am responsible for managing the client and family integrated care, transitions, and community partnerships portfolio. This includes mobilizing teams to deliver operational excellence across the hospital’s client and family centered care and partnerships initiatives, transitions to adulthood, youth employment pathways and life skills programming, the LIFEspan clinic, and emerging services to advance health equity for clients and families. All of this exciting work involves collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, both existing and new.
What inspired you to join Holland Bloorview?
I have always admired Holland Bloorview’s approach to client and family centered care. Having worked in the community based primary care sector for 16 years, centering client and family voices has always been an integral part of my work. Respectfully, it’s a practice that has not always been visible in a hospital setting. From a health systems perspective, the implementation of Ontario Health Teams has supported improvements in this area, but Holland Bloorview has long recognized the importance of partnering with clients and families in a meaningful way. In addition, Holland Bloorview’s commitment to integrating a health equity, anti-racism and social determinants of health approach to all aspects of its work was an important factor in my decision to join the team given my passion for this work.
How has been your experience so far since joining Holland Bloorview?
It’s been fantastic! Everyone has been so warm, welcoming, and helpful. When you join a new organization, there is always a learning curve and so much information to absorb. Being surrounded by team members who are willing to lean in and help you navigate the ins and outs has made for a smooth transition.
What excites you about working at Holland Bloorview?
I’m excited at the opportunity to learn from, and collaborate with amazing teams, clients, and families, as we work together on the journey to advance Holland Bloorview’s strategic plan. I’m excited at the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly as it pertains to delivering socially accountable care that is data driven, equity-informed, and meets the diverse needs of clients and families.
Can you share your reflections on the values of Holland Bloorview – what it means to serve our clients and families?
I believe every interaction with the health care system presents an opportunity to make a difference in the life of children and families, whether it’s a few visits or a relationship that spans from birth to young adulthood. The minute I walk through the doors at Holland Bloorview, I feel the energy and commitment to courage and resilience, compassion, excellence, equity, and innovation. There are so many contributors to this, but in my experience over the past three months, it’s clear to me that staff at Holland Bloorview are integral to this. Every day, they help create that special feeling you get when you come through the doors and move through the halls. As part of my onboarding over the past three months, I have met with dozens of staff and am struck by their commitment to the organization’s values. It has come through in every single conversation that I’ve had.
Any message for aspiring future staff?
There are so many diverse roles at Holland Bloorview – my advice would be to stay curious! You never know where an opportunity may lead you.
Can you share a special anecdote about you that might surprise us?
From the age of about 7 to 12, I was in a 5 pin bowling league and was one of the top bowlers in Toronto. There was no internet or social media back then, so the only proof I have are the dusty bowling trophies sitting in my mom’s garage which she refuses to throw out. I should grab one to spruce up my office!
Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future of the organization?
From an organizational perspective, I’m excited to see how the collection of socio-demographic data evolves and shapes the delivery of equitable access to care.
As Holland Bloorview celebrates its 125th anniversary, do you have a special message or reflection on this milestone that you would like to share with the community, clients, and families?
Congratulations on an incredible milestone! It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to reflect on the past, present, and future, and to celebrate how far the organization has come.