Patient & Family Advisory Committee

  • Patient and Family Advisors (PFAs) play a role in helping hospitals become patient- and family-centred in the delivery of their services. PFAs are a diverse group of people who enjoy working with others and contributing ideas, while being able to hear and balance different perspectives with compassion and respect.

    PFAs can be patients, residents, clients; families of patients, residents or clients, volunteers, caregivers, or individuals who would like to see positive change in the care and services NSHN offers to our communities.

    Scroll to the bottom of the page to see our current Patient and Family Advisors.

  • To be a successful PFA on our Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC):

    1. BE EMPATHETIC
      You have an interest in and show concern for improving the healthcare experience for all patients, residents, clients and their families, beyond your own experience.

    2. BE ABLE TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGS
      You are required to read provided materials and prepare for Committee meetings, which occur every other month, October through to June.

    3. SHARE YOUR INSIGHTS
      You have a positive approach and are interested in sharing information about your experiences in ways that will benefit others, while listening to and respecting different points of view.

    4. COLLABORATE
      You are able to communicate and collaborate with individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles may be different from your own.

  • At NSHN, active members of our Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    • Serve as a communication channel and act with the overall goal of improving relationships between patients, clients, families and NSHN.

    • Establish a link between NSHN and the communities we serve.

    • Contribute ideas and suggestions that will enhance patient, resident, client and public involvement in health service planning and decision-making, so that the communities we serve have a voice in the delivery of health care services.

    • Provide constructive input into care programs, services and organizational processes, and advocate for the needs of patients, residents, clients and families from a broad perspective.

    • Tell their personal stories and share their points of view, but are also able to listen objectively to and appreciate the views and experiences of others.

    PFAs are expected to be:

    1. Respectful of others.

    2. Comfortable speaking in a group and interacting with others.

    3. Able to use their personal experiences constructively.

  • As a PFA you get the unique experience and opportunity at PFAC meetings to share experiences and interact with key members of the NSHN Team. You may be involved in discussions and decisions on topics including, but not limited to:

    • Infection Prevention and Control guidelines

    • Visitation protocols

    • Palliative Care and end-of-life care and services

    • Caregiver ID program

Click below to download
NSHN’s PFAC Application

Click below to download
NSHN’s PFAC Information Booklet

OUR PATIENT AND FAMILY ADVISORS

  • Chair of the Patient & Family Advisory Committee

    How long have you been a PFA?

    I joined NSHN’s “Community and Patient Engagement Committee” in 2018. In 2022, the Committee transitioned to the “Patient and Family Advisory Committee”.


    What areas in healthcare most interest you?

    I am most interested in the ongoing ability to provide local healthcare in Northern Ontario, particularly geriatric programming, mental health initiatives, and patient-centered care.


    The experience and/or skills that you bring to the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    I spent most of my career in communications and client care, focused on providing clear and articulate messaging about programs, products and services.  After retiring and returning home to Northern Ontario, I worked in two local medical clinics with exceptional medical staff and administrators. I care deeply about patients and their varied needs, and try to ensure that conversations are focused on patient experiences and continual improvements. It is vitally important that patients and their loved ones understand and are active participants in their health care journeys.


    What I like most about the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    It’s comprised of residents from across the NSHN catchment area.  They are, or have been, patients or caregivers and are able to bring forward their own experiences, as well as those of other community members. 

    At the table, listening and learning, are key members of Senior Management from NSHN who recognize the importance of considering these stories as they strive to develop or improve programs. 

    I believe there is tremendous value and benefit to this collaborative relationship, and my hope is that people will know who we are, what we do, and how they and others can participate.


    Fun Facts About Me:

    I am blessed to receive great joy and inspiration from our three children and three grandchildren.  They all love Northern Ontario as much as my husband and I do, and some of our best days happen during their visits to our home on the shore of a pristine inland lake in Huron Shores. 

    Art is an important outlet for me in maintaining a balanced life. 

    It is a pleasure to give back to the community that has been such a strong foundation for my growth and development.

  • How long have you been a Patient and Family Advisor on NSHN’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee?

    3 years

    I am also a member of NSHN’s Point-of-Care Testing/Transfusion (Lab) Committee.


    The experience and/or skills that you bring to PFAC:

    I enjoyed a 43 year career in healthcare, beginning at Sparrow Health System in Lansing, MI as an administrative secretary. I moved to Sault Ste Marie, ON in 1993 and started working at War Memorial Hospital in Sault, MI in Practice Management. I loved working with leaders, staff and patients to create the most optimal experience for all of us!


    Fun Facts About Me:

    I currently reside on St. Josephs Island and am and avid member and volunteer for many groups including the Lions Club, Marina Committee, Meals on Wheels and Food Bank.

    I love to share my time with my canine buddy, Lilly, and enjoy books, the outdoors and my church family, sprinkling in trips to the states to see family and friends.

  • How long have you been a PFA?

    I am a new member to the Committee, as of November 2024.


    What areas in healthcare most interest you?

    I am most concerned with Primary Care, patient-centred care, and the care of our seniors. 

    I am also interested in the healthcare system journey and improvements to navigation.


    The experience and/or skills that you bring to the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    I have aging parents that are working through the health care system, specifically with respect to long-term care, assisted living and not having Primary Care Physicians, etc.

    In 2023, I was a patient for an extended period and found out the hard way that the healthcare system is a challenge to work through.


    What I like most about the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    The Committee gives me an opportunity to share my journey through the health care system and hopefully provide input in making changes to the system.


    Fun Facts About Me:

    I love to spend time with my family, especially my grandchildren.

    I also enjoy camping.

  • How long have you been a PFA?

    3 years


    What areas in healthcare most interest you?

    I am most interested in improving the care available to our aging population. Making it easier for seniors to access the care they need and improving communication between families and their care providers is essential.


    The experience and/or skills that you bring to the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    I have been a resident of Blind River for the past sixty-seven years. I have supported the local hospital, both St. Joseph’s in the past and currently the North Shore Health Network. As a volunteer I have provided palliative care, and done a number of volunteer jobs through the hospital auxiliary.

    I represent and bring to the committee the perspective of all community members who access the services and care provided through NSHN.


    What I like most about the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    Being a member of the Committee, I am provided the latest information about services, current improvements that are being initiated and plans for the future.

    It is rewarding to see issues that are brought forward to the Committee and then addressed, which improves available services to residents from across the NSHN area.


    Fun Facts About Me:

    Visits with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are a priority.

    I enjoy my gardening and my community work. I thoroughly enjoy my time at the local public school supporting their healthy snack program by baking three hundred muffins every two weeks!

  • How long have you been a PFA?

    I am a new member to the Committee, as of December 2024.


    What areas in healthcare most interest you?

    • Mental Health

    • Addictions

    • Health and safety of NSHN staff


    The experience and/or skills that you bring to the Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

    I am currently employed in the Social Service sector and am excited to share my knowledge and experience with the Committee.

    I have resided in the NSHN catchment area for 18 years and have accessed services through Thessalon, and Richards Landing-Matthews hospitals.

    I am able to look beyond my own experiences with the healthcare system to openly discuss broader issues and collaborate towards positive change.


    Fun Facts About Me:

    I am married and the mother of an adult son; I also have three dogs and a cat.

    I love to kayak our local rivers and am always looking for recommendations on new rivers to try!