News
Ornge introduces whistleblower policy
Jan. 3, 2013, Mississauga, Ont. - Ornge, Ontario’s provider of air ambulance and related services is further improving accountability and transparency by introducing a whistleblower policy.
January 3, 2013 By Carey Fredericks
“We are truly committed to continuous improvement at Ornge, and that means everyone should feel free to come forward with concerns, without fear of reprisal,” said Ron McKerlie, Interim President and CEO of Ornge. “Our new whistleblower policy will promote integrity throughout the organization.”
The Whistleblower Policy is meant to help employees fulfil Ornge’s mandate of compassionate patient care with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. The policy will be implemented through the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP – a leading Canadian accounting, audit and business advisory firm – as the Independent Ethics Officer for Ornge.
As the Independent Ethics Officer, Grant Thornton LLP will receive and track employee disclosures in a safe and confidential manner, and will then examine and assess each disclosure to determine if further steps are warranted. The firm has full discretion to conduct investigations and make recommendations, and will ensure the complainant is protected from reprisal.
This measure builds on recent improvements at Ornge, including the hiring of aviation executive Rob Giguere as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, an improved patient relations process, the hiring of a Patient Advocate and the introduction of a new Conflict of Interest Policy. The Ornge board has also recently appointed Dr. Andrew McCallum as its new President and CEO, effective Jan. 21, 2013.
