Health system seeking more patient advisers
The Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration Network is broadening the scope of its patient advisory members to cover everything from hospitals to addiction. A call has gone out for members of the public to sit on the LHIN’s patient and family advisory committee.
“We’re trying to create a council that’s representative of the many different sectors within our LHIN,” said Shannon Sasseville, director of communications, public affairs and community engagement. Noting the LHIN funds everything from hospitals to community health centres as well as long-term care, mental health and addiction services, she said, “So we want to get all of those opinions, if we can.” Patient advisers have been called on over the years by the LHIN. “We have a really strong group of home and community care patient advisers already,” Sasseville said, adding the goal is to bring this group together. “We sort of see this group representing the entire system,” she said.
“We’re looking to create a more formal structure where these people can provide advice to us, but based on all different types of experience,” she added. Sasseville said the plan is to use the knowledge and experience of these committee members to run ideas past them “to see if we’ve really captured what patients need or does this make sense to patients.” “We know when patients and caregivers have a voice, the entire health system benefits,” Ralph Ganter, Erie St. Clair LHIN CEO, said in a media release. “Hearing the stories and advice directly from people with lived experience is extremely valuable to the work that we do and the care we provide. I welcome the input that this group will provide us.” Sasseville said LHIN employees live their work every day and sometimes when they plan and write material “we’re not as close to what patients want or the way they want it written.” Those interested in applying to serve on this committee need to have had health-care experiences within the past two years. There is also a requirement to attend a minimum of six meetings a year in Chatham in person or via teleconference or video conference. Sasseville said residents living in the LHIN area are encouraged to apply even if they don’t have a lot of experience on boards or committees.
“We want to hear from just average people with experiences and time to offer us,” she said.
The deadline to apply is Friday. Applications are available online at eriestclairlhin.on.ca or by calling 1-888-447-4468 ext. 3222. Applications can also be picked up at LHIN office in Chatham at 180 Riverview Dr. Sasseville said the goal is to have an initial meeting with new committee members in mid-January.