Brigham Health Announces Details of New Ombuds Program

On January 6, 2020, Brigham Health will launch a new program: the Office of Mediation, Coaching, Ombuds and Support Services. Headed by Donald Proby, "OMCOSS" will provide education, resources and services to faculty, staff, and trainees at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, and Brigham and Women’s Physicians Organization in and around Boston. Details of the new program were announced in a series of articles in the organization's newsletter.

Here's an excerpt from the article about the Ombuds services

What is an ombudsperson?
The ombudsperson serves as a highly confidential, informal and psychologically safe sounding board to help our workforce members clarify workplace concerns, identify goals and consider options in managing or resolving concerns. The ombudsperson reports back to the organization regarding broad trends, but he or she does not report on specific concerns or specific individuals. This reporting structure adds a level of confidentiality to the ombudsperson, making that office an ideal place to explore options, gain clarity and find potential pathways forward.

When is an ombudsperson helpful?
Any issue may be brought to the ombudsperson. This might include concerns related to the work/learning environment, job performance, retaliation or professional misconduct. The ombudsperson’s role is to listen and to help identify issues, goals and options. As with all OMCOSS services, the person seeking services will make their own decisions regarding next steps.

Additional details have not been made public and access to the OMCOSS website is restricted to insiders. (Brigham Bulletin: Mediation; Coaching; Ombuds; Support Services.)

Related post: Job Posting (Partners HealthCare); Brigham and Women's Hospital Names Director of New Ombuds Program.