The Essential Together Pledge:

The Essential Together Pledge was created as a way for health and care organizations to show they recognize and value the role of Essential Care Partners and are committed to working together with those who are receiving care, caregivers and staff to develop and implement policies that support patient and caregiver partnership in care.  

We welcome organizations to continue to access and integrate the pledge into the development of their organizations policies and programs.  

We value the role of Essential Care Partners and recognize how this role is different from a visitor. As a result, we are committed to working together with those who are receiving care, caregivers and staff to take the following actions:

• We will engage with those who are receiving care, caregivers, and staff to review existing visitor and caregiver presence policies and practices.
• We will work in collaboration with those who are receiving care, caregivers, and staff to develop and implement person-centred policies, practices, and programs that enable the presence of essential care partners at all times, ensuring compassion, equity, dignity, safety, and well-being for all.
• We will be transparent with our caregiver presence policies and practices and ensure clear and consistent communication.
• We will promote the role and benefits of essential care partners across our organization and the health system.

Download the Pledge PDF

Thank you to those organizations who have already made the pledge. 

Pledging Organizations

Download the Essential Together Pledge Change Package.

This Change Package is a guide for developing a plan that moves you to act on your commitment to the Essential Together Pledge.

Use the Essential Together Tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement within your organization.