At Yukon Hospitals, we believe that investing in our people is the cornerstone of quality care. Supporting opportunities for staff to grow, connect, and lead enables us to build resilient teams dedicated to their communities.
For Lindsay Birss, Operations Leader at Dawson City Community Hospital (DCCH), engagement is the key to success for both staff—and the wider community that the hospital serves.
“I want to create an environment for staff that people enjoy, feel heard, and are proud to work and get involved in the decisions of things that happen at the hospital,” says Birss. “I also want the community to feel the same way.”
Birss has been with Yukon Hospitals since DCCH opened its doors in 2013, making it her priority to cultivate a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for staff and patients alike.
A Culture of Safety and Care
DCCH takes pride in its strong health and safety culture, ensuring that both staff and patients can thrive. Safety isn’t just about following protocols—it’s about creating an environment where people feel empowered to share ideas and concerns, leading to better care and stronger relationships.
“We listen carefully to feedback to improve services, patient interactions, and staff experiences,” says Birss. “Health and safety are woven into everything we do, ensuring our staff and patients always feel supported.”
The hospital also maintains meaningful relationships Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation. DCCH collaborates with Elders to incorporate traditional practices into patient care, such as smudging ceremonies, traditional medicines, and culturally significant artwork displayed throughout the facility. These efforts help create a sense of belonging for Indigenous patients and families while reflecting Yukon Hospitals’ commitment to reconciliation.
Community Spirit in Action
While health and safety are foundational, fostering a sense of community is equally important.
“Something we pride ourselves in at our facility is that we try to have fun,” says Birss.
“Working in healthcare can be, at times, difficult and stressful, so we try to find little moments to be silly, laugh, and boost morale.”
DCCH staff actively participate in community events like the Moosehide Gathering and the lip-syncing competition at Dawson City’s annual Thaw-Di-Gras festival. They’ve also formed a staff baseball team and volunteer in the community with the Fire Department, Humane Society, and at the ski hill.
“I want people to want to be here,” explains Birss.
That sense of community spirit can be felt as soon as you walk through the doors at DCCH. Experienced staff are always willing to go out of their way to support new staff, both locums and permanent staff, in getting to know the hospital and community.
“Staff are always always willing to take people up to the Dome lookout, or out in the middle of the night to experience the northern lights,” says Birss.
New staff are encouraged to explore the local area, whether it’s dog sledding, hiking in nearby Tombstone National Park, or attending performances at Gertie’s. These efforts aren’t just about boosting morale; they’re about fostering connections that enhance patient care.
“We make efforts outside of work to engage with one another, spend time together and shake ourselves from sometimes what might be a difficult day,” says Birss.
Collaboration and Compassion
At DCCH, the emphasis on teamwork and inclusivity reflects Yukon Hospitals’ values of equity, compassion, and excellence. The hospital’s strong sense of community spirit and commitment to safety ensure that both staff and patients feel valued and respected.
“Our staff love Dawson,” she says. “We choose to be here. We also know the complexities of living in a remote, northern community, so we engage with patients and help them feel at ease the best we can.”
While these efforts are uniquely tailored to Dawson, they reflect Yukon Hospitals’ commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and compassionate care. The teamwork and engagement at DCCH helps create a supportive environment where staff and patients feel valued and respected.
According to Birss, the doors at DCCH—for both staff and patients—are always open. This approach reflects a shared commitment to listening, learning, and growing together. The connections built at DCCH, both within the hospital and in the wider community, highlight how collaboration and care can create an environment where everyone feels supported.