A Warm Welcome to New Director of Patient Care
January 06, 2025
We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Harmer as a new
Director of Patient Care at HPHA. Sarah officially joined the team on December
9th, 2024, and brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a deep commitment to
excellence in healthcare.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has built an impressive
career spanning various areas, including maternal and child health, lactation
support, medical-surgical units, ICU, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and
clinical education. She previously held the
position of Inpatient Clinical Manager at Tillsonburg District Memorial
Hospital, where she managed a diverse team that included frontline nursing,
PSWs, the physiotherapy staff, and dieticians. This role has
given her invaluable insights into the meaning of integrity and the importance
of clear communication—qualities that will undoubtedly strengthen her
leadership at HPHA.
Sarah’s background also includes her role as a Clinical Instructor at
Fanshawe College, where she honed her skills in teaching and mentoring. This
aligns seamlessly with HPHA’s dedication to education and professional growth.
As a leader, Sarah prioritizes being present for her team, fostering
engagement, and integrating shared goals. She values her colleagues and
continually seeks to improve processes with a steadfast focus on patient- and
family-centered care.
Her accomplishments speak to her dedication and vision. Sarah has actively
contributed to policy changes, quality improvement projects, and the implementation
of RNAO best practice guidelines. She has also played a pivotal role in
strategic planning and advocated for changes that address the evolving needs of
patients. Her experience as a labor and delivery nurse has imbued her with a
profound sense of compassion and empathy—qualities she extends not only to the
families she has cared for but also to her colleagues.
In her new role at HPHA, Sarah will support several key areas, including our
Maternal/Child Program, Adult Critical Care Department, RRT Department, Patient
Flow and Scheduling team, and our Seaforth Hospital. She will work alongside two other Directors of Patient Care, each overseeing different units, collectively ensuring the continued delivery of exceptional leadership and support across HPHA. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys
spending time with her family and embracing the outdoors through activities
like running, skiing, camping, and yoga. She is eager to grow with HPHA,
collaborate with our talented staff, and strengthen community partnerships to
help us thrive and innovate.
Please join us in giving Sarah a warm welcome to the HPHA family. We look
forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly make as we continue to
advance our mission of delivering exceptional care to our communities.