Patient and Family Advisors

The Patient and Family Advisor (PFA) is a person who has lived experiences in healthcare as a patient or family member of a patient and is eager to make a difference in their local healthcare by sharing their personal stories. Patient and family caregiver stories help inform and inspire us to improve the health care system for people just like you.

Our PFAs are a strong example of our commitment to patient and family engagement with evidence of strong collaboration and shared decision making in key hospital and program policy, planning, quality improvement and educational materials.

Patient and Family Advisor Information Sheet Patient and Family Advisor Orientation Guide

Who Can Be a Patient and Family Advisor?

Anyone can become an advisor. Your voice and experience can make a positive difference in local health care planning.

Patient and Family Advisor | Position Summary

This is a volunteer advisory role that will influence hospital decisions; provide an objective and balanced approach to patient and family perspectives across a wide range of hospital initiatives, programs, services, and policies.

PFA’s work in partnership with the hospital to create a Patient and Family Centered Care environment and experience. Patient and Family Centered Care is an approach to the planning, delivery and evaluation of health care that is grounded in mutually beneficial partnerships among patients, families, and health care providers (Institute for Patient-and Family-Centered Care, 2010).

Patient and Family Advisors also:

Bring a positive outlook and respect the opinions of others.
Prepare for and regularly attend meetings.
Actively participate in meetings and respect the perspective of others.
Share insights and information about experiences.
Model and embrace BCHS Mission, Vision and Values.
Support the organizations commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Mindful of confidentiality and privacy always.
Improve patient and family health care experiences.
Provide input about how we develop patient-centered care.
Influence organizational change.
Improve the health care system.

Patient and Family Advisor | Qualities

A passion for enhancing the health care experience of patients, families and caregivers.
Excellent listening skills.
Open-minded and positive.
Respects others’ opinions and perspectives.
Able to share thoughts and opinions in a group setting.
Open to see beyond personal experience and appreciate the big picture.
Comfortable communicating in English.
Passionate and believe you can help influence decisions.

Patient and Family Advisor | Qualifications

A patient, or family member or caregiver of a patient, who has received care and is interested in gaining an understanding of Patient and Family Centered Care.
Commit an average of four hours per month.
Able to participate and attend meetings during normal business hours.

Why are Patient and Family Advisors Important to our Health Care System?

Patient and Family advisors bring the voices of patients and family caregivers to health care planning tables
Your unique experiences and stories will help strengthen and improve health care and services for everyone

Hands-on Commitment for Positive Change at BCHS

Participate as committee members and working groups across Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS)*
Partner with BCHS employees by providing input for policies, programs and practices
Work with health care staff to encourage and ensure the delivery of safe high quality patient and family-centered care at BCHS

* Time commitment will vary depending on the involvement of each individual advisor

How to Become a Patient and Family Advisor

If you would like to apply for this volunteer position, please fill out the PDF application form, electronic application and reference form and return it to patientfamilyadvisory@bchsys.org or mail to:

Patient Engagement Coordinator
Brant Community Healthcare System
200 Terrace Hill Street
Brantford, ON N3R 1G9

Patient and Family Advisor Application | Apply Now!

Learn More:

E-mail patientfamilyadvisory@bchsys.org or call 519-751-5544 ext. 2177

CEO's Patient and Family Advisor Council Newsletters