Manager, Access to Care

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 – 2025 and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for 2026. Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Patient Flow, the Manager, Access to Care will directly manage and supervise site-based Bed Allocation staff, ensuring accountability and operational continuity. This role ensures efficient patient transitions, proactive capacity planning, and quality improvement in alignment with hospital and system-wide goals. The Manager, Access to Care will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, offering leadership to optimize bed management, discharge planning, and resource utilization while ensuring an exceptional patient care experience.

Leadership and Oversight

• Provide leadership for patient flow operations at the assigned site.
• Oversee daily Flow and Capacity Planning meetings and huddles to review capacity, expected discharges, and barriers.
• Offer leadership and support to inpatient staff, working closely with Charge Nurses, Social Workers, and management.
• Provide ongoing guidance to Bed Allocation team for safe, timely and appropriate patient placement.
• Work collaboratively with staffing office to ensure safe staffing levels and appropriate capacity management.
• Collaborate with physicians to facilitate early and proactive discharge planning and address patient placement challenges in real-time.
• Provide leadership in resolving discharge delays by collaborating with stakeholders across the organization to proactively manage and create capacity.
• Work closely with After-Hours Shift Managers to ensure smooth transitions between workday and after-hours operations.

Operational Coordination

• Monitor and manage site capacity, ensuring timely placement of patients.
• Coordinate repatriations and interfacility transfers to ensure timely and seamless patient transitions between facilities.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health, Ontario Health Teams (OHT), and community resources to identify opportunities for partnerships and safe patient transitions that prioritize patient and family-centered care.
• Identify and address barriers to discharge and flow in real time, escalating issues as required.

Quality Improvement and Operational Efficiency

• Lead quality improvement initiatives related to patient flow and discharge processes.
• Co-design and implement initiatives aimed at improving flow, reducing barriers, and optimizing operations.
• Co-chair patient flow committees and lead workshops designed to enhance patient flow and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with teams to develop innovative solutions to recurring challenges and measure their impact.

Planning and Strategic Development

• Develop and implement site-specific action plans to meet organizational flow and capacity targets.
• Work with counterparts at other SHN sites to align on short- and long-term strategies for patient flow and capacity creation.
• Analyzing and presenting data and trends to drive evidence-based decision-making and system improvements.

Collaboration and Communication

• Act as the primary liaison between site operations and the corporate patient flow team.
• Communicate plans, challenges, and updates effectively across all levels of staff.
• Collaborate with community partners to ensure continuity of care for discharged patients.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration, Nursing, or a related field (required).

• Master’s Degree in Health Administration, Business, or a related field (preferred).

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a healthcare leadership role with a focus on patient flow, bed management, or discharge planning.

• Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams in a hospital setting.

• Experience with quality improvement methodologies and co-designing initiatives with stakeholders.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking.

• Proficiency in using hospital information systems (e.g., EPIC, Meditech) and Microsoft Office Suite.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and complex environment.

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike. 

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values. 

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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