Western Health Seeks Volunteer Client and Family Advisors for Regional Advisory Council for Hospital Care
Western Health is seeking volunteer client and family advisors to serve on Western Health’s Client and Family Advisory Council for Hospital Care. This council provides a way for patients and families to improve experiences of hospital care and to work in partnership with health professionals to shape policies; programs; and day-to-day interactions.
Western Health provides care in two hospitals and four health-care centres throughout the region. Hospital care also includes over 15 outpatient clinics providing diagnostic treatment, education, and follow-up care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses, in areas such as dialysis, blood collection, endoscopy, wound care, and EKG.
“Western Health values the perspectives and insight of our patients, clients and families. The feedback and lived experiences shared in the Advisory Council will provide an exciting opportunity for improvement for Western Health,” said Kelli O’Brien, Vice President Long Term Care, Rural Health and Quality.
The role of patients and family advisors with the advisory council includes, but are not limited to:
- providing insight and advice that is relevant to and based on patient, family member, and caregiver experience with hospital care within the last two years;
- making a two-year voluntary commitment;
- providing input into the provision of services within the program and participating in a variety of ways to improve health-care delivery, such as new policies, facility planning, and client surveys; and
- attending scheduled meetings in person or via teleconference.
The Regional Advisory Council for hospital care is rooted in Western Health’s Person- and Family-Centred Care (PFCC) approach to improving health-care quality. PFCC is a philosophy of care that views people using health services as equal partners in planning, developing, monitoring, and evaluating care to make sure it meets their needs. The term “person” in Person- and Family-Centred Care refers to patients, clients, and residents.
Since PFCC was formally adopted at Western Health three months ago, two advisory councils have been established: the PFCC Steering Committee, and the Long Term Care Advisory Council.
Six to eight client and family members who have had experience receiving care with Western Health in the last two years will be considered for the role of client and family advisors for the Client and Family Advisory Council for Hospital Care. No special qualifications are required to apply. Training will be provided to successful applicants.
Those interested in this volunteer opportunity should visit Western Health’s website and complete a Person and Family Advisor application, indicating Hospital Care as an area of interest.
For more information about the application process, please email marielparcon@westernhealth.nl.ca.
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Media Contact:
Tara Pye
Director of Communications
709-784-5252
tarajpye@westernhealth.nl.ca