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What is a Patient Family Advisor?

RVH is committed to putting patients and their families first and that means viewing the healthcare experience through their eyes. 

Our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) represents the voice of RVH’s patient and families who have unique experience, insights, expertise and perspectives that are invaluable to improving care. The council is an opportunity for patients and families to participate as partners in planning services and systems which can positively shape the patient experience.

A Patient Family Advisor is someone who has had a recent experience (within two years) either as a patient, or the family member of a patient being cared for at the health centre. They partner with RVH staff and physicians to provide direct input into policies, programs and practices which affect the patient experience.

Application Process

Step 1: If you’re interested in being a Patient Family Advisor, please click on this link to access the application: 

Step 2: After completion of the application form, please send to patientfamilyadvisory@rvh.on.ca 

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee. The application process will include a short interview and two reference checks. A satisfactory criminal reference check, including a vulnerable sector check. An advisor must submit the results of a negative two-step Tuberculosis (TB) test

Following the formal process, the applicant will be personally notified about the outcome of their application.

What Do Patient Family Advisors Do?

Tell Their Story

Sharing stories about their experiences – positive and negative – is an important way to gather insights about each other and better understand how the patient and family experience can be improved. 

Participate in Committee Work

They bring an invaluable patient and family perspective to planning and decision making.

Review and Help Create Education or Information Materials

They contribute to the creation of supportive patient and family material such as forms, health information handouts and discharge instructions, ensuring tools are meaningful, and easy-to-understand.

Special Projects

They may partner with us on special projects, such as helping to launch a new initiative or plan a patient service or space.

What Can Patient Family Advisors Expect in Their Role?

  • Opportunity to assist with health centre events and participate on hospital committees
  • Receive education and orientation to their program, service and/or committee
  • Accessible meeting rooms and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act information
  • Participate in meetings held at a variety of times (usually between 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
  • Frequency of meetings is dependent on the work of each committee and project scopes
  • Abbreviations, acronyms and terms will be clearly defined/explained
  • Reward and knowledge they are making a positive difference in how healthcare is delivered at RVH         

Should You Become a Patient Family Advisor?

When you or your family member was at RVH, did you think there were things we could have done better? Do you have ideas about how RVH can improve the patient and family experience? The Patient Family Advisory Council provides invaluable information and perspectives that help us improve the quality and safety of care.

What Qualifications are Required?

People who have had a recent experience (within two years) either as a patient or the family member of a patient being cared for at RVH, are eligible to be a Patient Family Advisor, providing they are 18 years old or over. No special qualifications are required. What is most important is their experience as a patient or family member and their willingness to share their story and ideas in a constructive way. 

What is the Time Commitment?

 Patient Family Advisors must commit to serving on the council for a minimum of one year. The time commitment and meeting frequency varies depending on the specific projects or activities in which each advisor is participating.  

Contacts

RVH Patient Family Advisor Coordinator
Phone: 705-728-9090 Ext. 42319
Email: patientfamilyadvisory@rvh.on.ca