Lean integration: A blueprint for occupational health services transformation in healthcare mergers

This is a case study about University Health Network (UHN) and West Park (WP) Healthcare Centre's merger in April 2024, marking a significant milestone in organizational transformation. As part of this integration, Occupational Health departments at both organizations were unified into a single team. Data collection, process mapping, and gap analysis were employed to conduct current-state assessments, which identified key differences in organizational structure, database systems, technology platforms, and operational processes. By addressing these gaps, the team clarified roles, centralized infrastructure, aligned policies, and standardized workflows. Four key domains were targeted for integration: organizational structure, database systems, technology platforms, and operational processes. Challenges in change management, resource allocation, and training were addressed strategically. This integration approach improved multidisciplinary communications, standardized protocols, reduced manually intensive administrative workload, and enhanced safety, emphasizing project scoping, cross-functional collaboration, and innovative solutions for operational excellence.