Director, Patient Access and Health Information Management

The Director, Patient Access & Health Information Management (HIM) is a key leadership role within the Digital and Information Services portfolio, responsible for advancing how patients access care and how health information is managed across the organization. This role plays a critical part in enabling digital transformation by modernizing access, registration, scheduling, and health records services to create a more seamless, equitable, and patient-centred experience.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Digital and Information Services, the Director leads transformational initiatives to modernize access and HIM services. This is an opportunity to lead a critical portfolio at the intersection of patient experience and digital transformation. You will play a key role in reshaping how patients access services and how health information supports safe, high-quality care across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Sets the strategic direction for Patient Access and HIM, aligned with organizational and Digital portfolio priorities.
• Leads transformation of patient access and health information services through process redesign, digital tools, and service innovation.
• Advances a digitally enabled, patient-centred access model, expanding self-service capabilities such as pre-registration, eCheck-in, and online booking.
  
  

Patient Registration & Access Services

• Provides leadership for patient registration, scheduling, and access functions at St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s.
• Modernizes access workflows to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall patient experience.
• Ensures accurate and standardized patient registration and scheduling processes.
• Optimizes staffing models and service delivery approaches to support high-quality, efficient operations.
• Collaborates with clinical teams to align access processes with care delivery needs.
  
  

Health Information Management (HIM)

• Directs team in health records operations, including record lifecycle management and release of information.
• Ensures the integrity, availability, and confidentiality of the health record in compliance with legislative and organizational standards (e.g., PHIPA).
• Advances modern HIM practices, including digital record management and data quality improvement.
• Establishes and maintains policies and standards for documentation, consent, disclosure, and retention.
• Partners with privacy, legal, and clinical leaders to ensure compliant and effective information management practices.
  
  

Quality, Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Defines and monitors key performance indicators (e.g., data accuracy, turnaround times, patient access metrics).
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and quality methodologies.
• Builds a culture of high performance, accountability, and service excellence.
  
  

People & Change Leadership

• Leads and develops a high-performing, multidisciplinary team through coaching, mentorship, and succession planning.
• Oversees recruitment, performance management, and professional development.
• Fosters a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Leads complex projects and initiatives within Patient Access and HIM, including digital transformation and Electronic Patient Record (EPR) related work.
• Applies structured project management practices to deliver outcomes on time and within budget.
• Supports organizational change management and adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Builds and maintains relationships with external partners, including provincial organizations and peer hospitals.
• Represents the organization on committees, working groups, and governance forums.
  
  

Financial & Resource Management

• Leads operating and capital budgeting for the portfolio, ensuring effective resource allocation.
• Oversees financial performance, vendor relationships, and contract management.
• Ensures fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational priorities.
  
  

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Information Systems, Health Informatics, Computer Science, or a recognized equivalent; MBA preferred
• Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) designation or equivalent professional certification preferred.
• 5+ years progressive leadership experience in Patient Access, Health Information Management, or a related healthcare environment.
• Strong knowledge of patient registration, access services, HIM operations, and data quality practices.
• Experience leading large-scale transformation and process improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of healthcare privacy legislation and information governance (e.g., PHIPA).
• Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing operating and capital budgets.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and influence across a complex organization.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and change leadership skills.
  
  

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.