Kingston Health Sciences Centre

• Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is southeastern Ontario's largest acute-care academic hospital
• KHSC provides complex, acute, and specialty care to over 650,000 people
• KHSC was formed by integrating Kingston General Hospital (KGH) and Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH)
• KHSC includes the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario and a research institute
• KHSC is affiliated with Queen's University and recognized as a top Canadian research hospital

Kingston General Hospital (KGH) Site

• KGH is located at 76 Stuart Street
• KGH is the regional referral center for cardiac, stroke, renal, trauma, neurosurgery, pediatrics, neonatal care, high-risk obstetrics, and cancer care
• KGH has over 440 inpatient beds
• KGH handles over 22,000 inpatient admissions annually
• KGH has 53,000 emergency department visits each year

Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH) Site

• HDH is located at 166 Brock Street
• HDH specializes in outpatient care
• HDH offers programs in pediatrics, medicine, ophthalmology, cardiology, urology, dermatology, gastroenterology, surgery, mental health, oncology, and urgent care
• HDH's Urgent Care Centre operates daily for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses

Research and Education

• KHSC trains over 2,000 healthcare learners per year
• KHSC hosts over 500 researchers and research staff
• The institution is committed to advancing medical knowledge and integrating research into clinical practice

Patient and Family-Centred Care

• KHSC emphasizes collaboration with patients and families for compassionate care
• Initiatives include bedside whiteboards for communication
• Regular staff rounds ensure patient comfort
• Patient Experience Advisors are actively involved in decision-making

Mission, Vision, and Values

• Mission: Caring for patients, families, and each other through everyday actions, significant moments, and breakthroughs
• Vision: Partnering in care, discovery, and learning for better health and transforming the healthcare system
• Values: Compassion, Respect, Partnership, Excellence, Innovation

Departments and Services at KHSC

• KHSC includes Kingston General Hospital (KGH), Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH), and the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario

Acute & Specialized Care (KGH)

• Emergency Medicine: 24/7 Emergency Department
• Critical Care: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Cardiac ICU
• Cardiac Care: Heart disease treatment, cardiac catheterization, and surgery
• Neurosciences & Stroke: Stroke unit, neurosurgery, and brain injury rehab
• Trauma Services: Level 1 trauma care for southeastern Ontario
• Pediatrics & Neonatal Care: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), pediatric surgery
• High-Risk Obstetrics & Maternal Care: Labour & delivery services, perinatal care
• Nephrology & Kidney Care: Dialysis, kidney transplant, and renal care
• Oncology (Cancer Care): Chemotherapy, radiation, and cancer surgery
• Respiratory & Pulmonary Medicine: Asthma, COPD, lung care
• Surgical Services: General, orthopedic, vascular, thoracic, and plastic surgery

Outpatient & Specialty Clinics (HDH)

• Urgent Care Centre: Walk-in care for non-life-threatening issues
• Ophthalmology (Eye Care): Eye exams, surgeries, and laser treatments
• Dermatology: Skin disorder treatments
• Endocrinology & Diabetes Care: Hormonal disorders, insulin therapy, and education
• Gastroenterology: Digestive health, colonoscopies, and endoscopy services
• Mental Health & Psychiatry: Counseling, inpatient and outpatient mental health
• Rheumatology: Arthritis and autoimmune disease management
• Urology: Kidney, bladder, and prostate care
• Chronic Pain Management: Pain relief therapies and treatments
• Allergy & Immunology: Allergy testing and immune system disorders care

Other Key Services

• Diagnostic Imaging: X-ray, MRI, CT scans, ultrasound
• Laboratory Medicine & Pathology: Blood tests, biopsies, and diagnostic testing
• Rehabilitation Services: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
• Palliative & End-of-Life Care: Support for terminal illnesses
• Pharmacy Services: Medication management and distribution
• Patient & Family Support Services: Social work, patient advocacy, and spiritual care

KHSC as a Teaching Hospital

• KHSC is affiliated with Queen’s University
• KHSC provides training for medical students, residents, and researchers

Interview Preparation: Topics to be Prepared For

• Career goals, values, and what the candidate seeks in a job
• Handling crisis communications and developing communication plans
• Key success stories highlighting leadership, problem-solving, and impact
• Behavioral, technical, and scenario-based questions

Interview Preparation: Skills and Engagement

• Internal and external engagement strategies
• Understanding of healthcare communications best practices (clear, inclusive, patient-centered)
• Engaging, positive, and professional demeanor

Site Visit Observations for a Job Opportunity at KHSC

• Assess patient and staff interactions
• Evaluate the overall environment/atmosphere of the hospital and work culture
• Observe team dynamics, staff morale, diversity, and inclusion efforts
• Consider job-specifics: workspace functionality and comfort
• Check visibility of leadership and employee support mechanisms
• Determine alignment of personal values with the hospital mission
• Note practical details such as break rooms and work-life balance
• Ask specific role and responsibility questions

Second Interview Preparation

• Research Kingston General Hospital's mission, values, and recent news
• Understand the Strategic Communications Department and its support of Human Resources
• Re-read the job description

Mission, Vision and Values (reiterated)

• Mission: Care through actions, significance and exciting breakthroughs
• Vision: Healthcare transformation through partnership with internal teams
• Values: Compassion, Respect is for the individual, Partnership is central, Excellence is the goal, Innovation is the method

Key Area preparation for interview

• Judgment and problem solving skills
• Communication network understanding
• Accountability for Results
• Minimum job-related qualifications
• Awareness of physical & sensory requirements
• Understanding possible working conditions

Preparing for Interview Questions

• Use the STAR method for behavioral questions
• Have 2-3 key success stories ready
• Review healthcare communication best practices
• Brush up on writing in CP Style
• Prepare questions about team dynamics, work culture, training, and career growth in the organization
• Final checklist : Outfit, Portfolio, Notebook & Pen, Energy & Stamina, Confidence & Authenticity

Impressions

• Dress professionally (business casual/formal)
• Be personable during lunch and tour
• Show genuine enthusiasm for the role

After The Interview

• Send a thank-you note within 24 hours
• Express appreciation, mention a highlight, and reinforce fit

Key Responsibilities

• Communications planning and implementation
• Writing and editorial support
• Tactical execution of strategic communication plans
• Supporting communication best practices

Key Skills

• Contentious issue handling
• Communication planning for complex issues
• Competing communications priorities

Communication Network

• Internal: Leaders, Staff, Physicians, Learners, Volunteers and and Board members
• External: Media, Government officials, police officers, other executive officers, patients and family members

Impact

• Decisions have significant consequences on KHSC's performance and reputation
• Decisions are often independent and organization-wide
• Advisors adhere to media and social media policies