Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 126
126
( 2026)
SPONSOR CONTENT
There’s a happy and caring culture at Southlake Health
A
rthika Patmanathan
works in a health
care setting where
she and her
colleagues deal
with serious issues. But since she
started at Southlake Health, she
has discovered the best course of
treatment to keep her team going
is having fun whenever possible.
I absolutely love the
people I work with.
It’s so much a part of
me that I feel like I’ve
grown up at Southlake.
— Arthika Patmanathan
Manager, Patient Relations and
Patient Experience
A nurse at Southlake Health provides specialized, compassionate care in the organization’s neonatal intensive
care unit.
“It’s intense and very meaningful work because we’re supporting
patients and helping them navigate the challenges they’re facing,”
says Patmanathan.
“Sometimes that means
thinking outside the box. My
philosophy is to have a fun work
environment to help everyone stay
calm and connected, so we can
meet any challenge.”
Southlake Health is a large
community hospital system
headquartered in Newmarket that
provides the full suite of medical
services including emergency
care, surgical care, diagnostic
imaging and more. It is also home
to the regional cardiac and cancer
programs and an education centre.
Over 6,000 medical professionals,
staff, volunteers and learners work
together to deliver leading-edge
care, close to home.
Patmanathan started at
Southlake Health as a co-op
student and found lots of
opportunities to grow her career.
She was hired by the quality team
she was interning with, got a
position as an occupational health
associate and moved on to patient
experience before being promoted
to manager of diversity, equity
and inclusion. Now, she’s manager
of patient relations and patient
experience.
Throughout her journey,
Patmanathan says she has always
had the support she needed.
“I’m grateful for being able to
move across departments and how
the leaders and colleagues within
those departments welcomed
somebody green like me to coach
and mentor,” she says.
“They shared their skill sets,
so I’ve had the opportunity to
flourish in each department and
support the great work they do.”
Patmanathan’s employee
experience is an example of
how Southlake Health invests
in its people and gives them the
support they need to take on new
challenges, says Cristina Amaral,
vice-president of people and chief
human resources officer.
“Our people are at the heart of
everything we do. We’re dedicated
to supporting their well-being and
creating an environment where
they can thrive,” says Amaral.
“We recognize our team
members as whole individuals.
Our wellness programs and
benefits are designed to support
their well-being in all aspects of
life, helping them to thrive both
personally and professionally.
By taking care of our people, we
empower them to provide exceptional care to patients.”
Southlake Health provides
employees with a comprehensive
package of wellness, education
and career advancement supports.
Along with increased mental
health benefits, the health-care organization has an on-site wellness
advisor. There are dog therapy
sessions, and employees receive
free memberships to the on-site
gym and free on-site massage
services. Some roles operate on a
hybrid work model, offering many
the flexibility to split their time
between working at home or the
hospital.
