Creative ways to care come first at Hôpital Montfort

In 2008, Christine Albert Breton completed a student internship at Ottawa-based Hôpital Montfort while earning an occupational therapy degree at the University of Ottawa. “Right away, I was drawn to the culture of respect and excellence,” she says. “As a student I could see it on a daily basis – it was such a welcoming environment.”

Since it was established in 1953, Montfort has been Ontario’s only francophone academic hospital, caring for patients in both official languages. After Albert Breton completed her degree, she was hired as an occupational therapist in mental health, then moved to the physical therapeutic services. In 2023, she became a wellness specialist.

“I see my pathway as being promoted because I’ve always aspired to try new things and thrive in the organization,” says Albert Breton, who grew up in Grand Falls, N.B., and whose first language is French. “Each role brought up new opportunities, and I’ve always had supportive managers and supervisors to help me through the transitions.”

One of those leaders was Valérie Dubois Desroches, whom Albert Breton describes as “outstanding.” In 2002, Dubois Desroches herself did a student placement at Montfort, in the physiotherapy department. “Even as a student, there are opportunities to be involved in interesting projects,” she says. After graduating from her program, she also chose to join Montfort and has since progressed through various roles within the organization.

Dubois Desroches knew she wanted to work in management one day. With her supervisor’s support, she returned to school to do an administration program, then earned a master’s degree in public administration – all while working full-time. “I was given flexibility with my schedule to accommodate my studies, which I really appreciated,” she says.

There’s no question that hospital employees are constantly feeling pressure, but it’s also quite rewarding. As a wellness specialist, Albert Breton strives to promote what she calls “psychological safety” at work. “We want everyone to feel comfortable communicating openly with their leaders, about their challenges, needs and ambitions,” she says.

For example, to help staff unwind during their busy workday, two Recharjme pods are available on premises, where people can disconnect and relax in a reclining massage chair and enjoy soothing music or use light therapy for half an hour (reservations can be made through an app).

Another recent initiative has been to collaborate with community partners in offering “wellness moments” across the hospital, comprising 10-minute huddles to discuss mental health topics such as stress management and mindfulness. When it comes to wellness and recognition, Montfort is creative throughout the year and leaders listen to what their employees say they need and appreciate the most. Albert Breton is looking into offering guided 30-minute sessions, where employees can rest and recharge on yoga mats in a quiet room and sip a smoothie before carrying on with their day.

While both Albert Breton and Dubois Desroches grew up speaking French, candidates don’t have to be fully bilingual to apply. “We offer language training to our staff in either English or French,” says Dubois Desroches. “We are a francophone hospital, but many of our patients, their loved ones and our community partners speak English, so it’s essential to become bilingual.”

Dubois Desroches believes there’s something special about working for the only francophone academic hospital in Ontario – one that aims to improve access to French-language health-care services with mutual support, compassion, respect, excellence and equity. “We have a unique vision, mission and values that are quite close to my heart,” she says.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's National Capital Region's Top Employers winners, published March 4, 2025 in the Ottawa Citizen. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.