Patient and Family Advisors

After suffering a stroke in 2001, Anna had to give up her nursing career as a Nurse Educator. As a Stroke survivor of 21 years, Anna is passionate about the quality of healthcare, readable patient education materials, and accessible environments for patients and visitors.

Anna became a PFA because she wanted to improve the patient experience that she and her mother experienced and believes that she can use her adult education and nursing knowledge, along with her patient experiences, to advocate for positive change.

Anna has proudly called the County of Brant/Brantford home since 1990. In addition to being an avid gardener and watercolour/oil artist, she is also a wife and grandmother of 3, and the owner of the most lovable and mischievous cocker spaniel.

Anna looks forward to problem-solving and analyzing system problems to further the BCHS Mission of 'working together to build a healthier community'.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO's Patient Family Advisory Council
• Perioperative Quality Council
• Medical Inpatient (MIP) Program Council
• AODA - Accessibility Committee
• Retention and Engagement Committee
• Emerging Leaders Core Committee

Harold is a retired Manufacturing Engineering Technologist having worked in manufacturing as a Manufacturing Engineer, Production manager and plant manager in his career. As a Cancer survivor of 6 years and a care giver of aging parents, Harold is passionate about the quality of healthcare. Harold became a PFA because he wanted to improve the patient experiences that his mother and father experienced and believes that he can use his parent’s and family experiences to advocate for positive change.

Harold, although born in Germany, has spent all of his pre-adult life in Brantford and after a few years working and living in the Kitchener area returned to Brantford. In addition to being an avid curler and golfer, he is also a husband, father of 2 boys, grandfather of 3, and the owner of a Great Pyreneese/Labrador dog.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO's Patient Family Advisory Council
• Post-Acute Quality Council
• Palliative Care Quality Council
• Critical Care Council
• ED Redevelopment Committee

Annette is a new member to the PFA group and is passionate about connecting with others to become part of a larger, supportive community. She is actively involved with championing new policies and procedures, and enjoys participating in the Essential Care Partner Policy Working Group.

BCHS Council and Committees

• Post-Acute Unit
• Essential Care Partner Committee
• Clinical Planning Services for Medicine
• Wound Care and Lab DI
• Willett Rounder

Angela is an award-winning Indigenous fashion designer, artist, entrepreneur, and mentor of Cree/Métis heritage who has been a trailblazer of Indigenous Luxury fashion for over 2 decades. She also unveiled her first major public art installation ‘All Our Relations’ on Hamilton’s waterfront on Sept. 30th, 2023, the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation. Being a single mother to two children who have experienced issues with mental health, she has faced many challenges in navigating help for them. That experience informed Angela's desire to create positive change in the mainstream health care system regarding mental health. She has also worked with traditional Indigenous medicine people and knowledge keepers for decades and is passionate about bringing Indigenous healing practices into mainstream healthcare for everyone’s benefit.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO’s Patient Family Advisory Council
• Mental Health and Addictions Quality Council

Anthony has a passion for supporting projects within the mental health program and building meaningful connections. One of his proudest accomplishments  was co-designing the Adult Day Treatment (ADT) Peer Support Program with another colleague. The ADT Alumni program is an initiative that provides ongoing support for graduates of the ADT 6-week program and helps strengthen continuity of care.

BCHS Council and Committees

• Co-chair and co-founder for Alumni Peer Support Group in Adult Day Treatment

Arooj is a mom of three, a medical radiation therapist registered with CMRTIO and currently working in the pharmaceutical industry as a senior manager in patient support programs. She is also the president and founder of Muslim women of Brant.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Staff Council)
  

Bio coming soon!

Most of Bruce’s working years were as a manager in the natural gas industry before retiring over 10 years ago and continuing his hobbies of woodworking, playing the guitar, and travelling.

Throughout his life, volunteering has played an instrumental role and over the past 20 years, Bruce has volunteered an average of 12 to 14 monthly pet therapy visits to various organizations, including the Brantford General Hospital (BGH) and the Willett. “I was always encouraged to be involved in the community, so it comes naturally to volunteer where I can.”

Since early 2022, he has also volunteered one morning each week in the Ambulatory Care Unit at the BGH. “As a result of the contact with patients, visitors, and staff, and being able to witness their experiences, I feel that I have gained a newfound understanding of healthcare. My unique experience makes me feel like I have something to offer as a member of the Patient and Family Advisory” says Bruce.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Ambulatory Council

Bryony started her journey with the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) in 2017 when her dad was hospitalized for 15 months and experienced 5 different hospitals. During this time, she visited him daily and witnessed the good and bad of healthcare. This influenced her decision to use her family caregiver voice and help the system work towards the patient centred care model.

“I can’t say enough about the commitmentand level of compassion that is associated with this committee. As a team we are bridging the medical and patient centred model of care, together.”

Bryony is also an Educational Assistant and knows how valuable the healthcare system is to our broader community.

“I love to advocate for our youth because they are our future.”

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO’s Patient Family Advisory Council

Since his retirement as an educator, David has been a volunteer for many years in Brantford and Brant County. He has held various leadership positions with certain charitable organizations during that time. He feels that it is important to give back to the community where he has been a resident for over 50 years. He was honored to receive a Volunteer Community Impact Award in 2023.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Emergency Program Council
• ED Redevelopment Committee

Fola is from Nigeria and a physician.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Clinical Ethics Committee

As a patient and caregiver, Janice is passionate about helping to make a positive change in our healthcare system. Her focus is consistency, communication, and patient-centered care.

"I love being involved and find it very rewarding. Being a Patient and Family Advisor is a very important role and I always come to the table with my Patient and Family 'lens' on," says Janice. "I hope more community members will want to become involved to make a difference and effect positive change."

In addition to being a retired Sales Manager for Hallmark Canada, Janice is also a wife, a mother of 2, and grandmother of 5 grandchildren - all of whom were born at Brant Community Healthcare System.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO’s Patient Family Advisory Council
• Post-Acute Quality Council
• Medical Inpatient (MIP) Program Council
• Oncology Quality Council
• Falls Prevention Committee

My name is Jodi Rock, I am turtle clan, Mohawk Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River. I am registered with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, I consider both to be my home communities. I currently live and work in Hamilton, ON and have lived most of my life off reserve. I am a mom to 4, an Auntie to 4, a great Auntie to 4, and a loving caretaker of 4 4leggeds.

In my work life i came to Hamilton to work for HRIC, moving to De dwa da dehsnyes and NWC before moving to system work. I have worked in patient navigation, home visitation and front line/management roles in programs that supported those chronically unhoused, and survivors of family violence/human trafficking. At system levels i worked on projects that coordinated care for clients with complex needs, enhancing cultural safety for Indigenous people and building partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous led health and social supports. On a volunteer basis i am a member or my Nation’s health pillar and support Brant/Hamilton health care systems as a patient and family advisor.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Indigenous Cultural Safety Committee

Karen has lived in Brantford her whole life. She has been married for over 50 years, has three wonderful children, and four adorable grandchildren.

Over the years, she has gained firsthand experience through her visits to the Brantford General Hospital and these insights have been invaluable to better understand healthcare from the lens of patients and families.

“I want to give back to the community that raised me. It’s so important that patient’s needs are put first and I am a huge advocate for adding that perspective to the conversation.”

As a long-time Patient and Family Advisor (she was on the first ever PFA committee), Karen hopes to advance safe, high-quality care, for those who need it most.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO’s Patient Family Advisory Council
• Cardiology Quality Council
• Critical Incident Review Committee

Krystal is currently a nail tech and makeup artist with a decade of experience in Human Resources.

She is passionate about reading, travelling, Disney, and advocating for the best care for her son. As a mom of a cardiac child, Krystal visits the Brantford General Hospital (BGH) Pediatric Department, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Sick Kids Hospital frequently.

“I have a lot of experience from the point of view of a loved one. I became a PFA because I want to help provide insight and feedback to drive continued quality of care for children in BGH.”

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO’s Patient Family Advisory Council
• Pediatric and NICU Council
• Emergency Program Council

Mohammad is excited to see how his life and work experience can be helpful and utilized for the betterment of the Brantford community as a PFA/volunteer. He is a bright and receptive individual, capable of communicating effectively with people at all levels. He possesses a good sense of humor and maintains a pleasant approach in his interactions.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Spiritual Care Committee

Nancy initially worked in acute care hospital settings before transitioning to a community care nurse. She spent most of her career as Care Coordinator CCAC/LHIN working mainly at their BCHS satellite site. In her retirement she volunteers at Stedman Hospice and the Brantford General Hospital (BGH) Emergency Department.

Nancy’s passion has always been working at the bedside with patients and families. “It’s an honour to hear their stories and advocate, support, and assist them with resources that helps them navigate their transition from hospital to home.” Her professional and personal experiences, including caring for a parent who has experienced a stroke, has made her realize the importance of advocates and support systems. “I feel as though it’s important that patients and families have an opportunity to share their experiences. Each story can be so different and yet so important.”

So far during her role as Patient and Family Advisor (PFA) she’s noticed that patients and family members enjoy engaging and sharing their hospital experience. This creates a meaningful interaction where the person feels valued in being able to provide feedback, and PFA’s feel helpful in being able to listen and advocate for them.

“I am motivated in my role as PFA to contribute as one of the voices representing hospital patients with the hope that we can make a difference for the betterment of patient care.”

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Stroke Quality Council
  
• Pressure Injury Prevention Steering Committee

New member! 

Bio coming soon.

Shannon is passionate about the quality of Mental Health Care and Addiction programs offered in our fast-growing community. She also loves to share stories, ideas, and brainstorm solutions when problems present.

In addition to being a busy spouse and mom of 3 children, Shannon is a Student Support Counselor at W. Ross MacDonald School for the Visually Impaired and Deafblind.

"I LIVE, WORK, and PLAY in Brantford," says Shannon. "I am also part of the 'sandwich generation', with aging, elderly parents/family members, young adult children, and a school-age child."

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• CEO’s Patient Family Advisory Council
• Mental Health and Addictions Quality Council

Susanne is a retired French teacher and enjoys curling.

BCHS Councils and Committees

• Mental Health and Addictions Quality Council
• Family Support Group
• EPI Mental Health Family Support Group

Will's passion for helping those with mental health challenges stems from his personal experience living with ADHD. Outside of his role at BHCS, Will leads communications for a software company. He lives in central Brantford and serves as a board director for SOAR Community Services.

BCHS Councils and Committees:

• Mental Health Acute Day Treatment Program (ADT) Alumni Group