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.
Meet our BCHS Patient and Family Advisors |
Anna Maynard | Co-Chair of CEO's Patient Family Advisory CouncilAfter 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'.
Joy Casarin | Patient and Family AdvisorJoy loves being a PFA because it gives her the opportunity to share her opinion on matters that really encourage patient-centered care. She is involved in many councils and committees and each of them makes her feel welcome and heard. "This is an exciting time to be a PFA with the redevelopment of BCHS on the horizon. A new hospital means new opportunities to care for the vulnerable population in Brantford-Brant, including seniors, children, and those with mental health and addiction struggles," says Joy.
Janice Kucharew | Patient and Family AdvisorAs a patient and caregiver, Janice is passionate about helping to make a positive change in our healthcare system. Her focus is consistency, communication, and "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 grand grandchildren - all of whom were born at the Brant Community Healthcare System.
Gail Gloster | Patient and Family AdvisorGail is a dedicated and committed PFA at BCHS. She is a strong advocate for 'person centered' care and actively participates in a number of councils and committees. Gail is also the Chair on the Board of Directors for the Volunteer Association and truly embodies the BCHS values of compassion, accountability, respect, and equity. As a former nurse, Gail has experienced the frontlines of healthcare first hand, and strives to turn her career experience into positive change at BCHS and the community at large.
Shannon MacKenzie | Patient and Family AdvisorShannon 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 (ages 21, 19, and 8), 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."
Karen Dinsmore | Patient and Family AdvisorAbout me: Coming Soon!
Jodi Rock | Patient and Family AdvisorAbout me: Coming Soon!
Bryony Fox | Patient and Family AdvisorAbout me: Coming Soon!
David Kirk | Patient and Family AdvisorAbout me: Coming Soon!
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Position Summary | Patient and Family Advisor |
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:
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Qualities | Patient and Family Advisor |
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Qualifications | Patient and Family Advisor |
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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 |