The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) invites area residents to contribute to the improvement of the patient experience by becoming a Patient and Family Advisor.

HGH is committed to providing patient-centred care and we recognize that patients are experts in their own care needs. Engaging patients and families in the planning, delivery and monitoring of our services is a key part of our patient and family-centred approach. To ensure our patients are at the centre of everything we do, we want to make sure we are hearing from them throughout the organization.

Our patient advisors create an important link between HGH and the patients and families we serve. The HGH Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) has been in place since 2016. Patient Advisors have been participating in various projects and committees throughout the hospital since 2018. Our patient advisors provide insight and bring a fresh perspective to the table. Their participation adds value to our continuous improvement efforts related to the quality of our services and the patient experience.

What is the Patient and Family Advisory Council?

The Patient and Family Advisory Council serves as a forum for patients and families to partner with hospital staff members and leaders to shape decisions and influence change and improvements.

Who can serve as a Patient and Family Advisor?

You can become a Patient and Family Advisor if you or a loved one received care at HGH. No special qualifications are necessary. Meetings are held in French or English.

What to expect as a Patient and Family Advisor?

As a member of the Advisory Council, you will be expected to:

• Share your point of view in a constructive way.
• Attend five to six meetings per year at HGH to provide input into patient care and organizational processes by advocating for patient and family needs.
• Show commitment to improving care for all HGH patients and family members by ensuring that the patient is the focal point of all discussions.
• Review documents that are referred to the advisory council.
• Participate in committee, workgroup or project meetings by bringing the patient’s perspective to the table.

Are there open Patient Advisor opportunities?

Yes, we currently need the help of Patient Advisors in the following groups:

• Emergency Department Program Council
• Medical/Surgical Unit Program Council
• Perioperative Services Program Council
• Ethics Committee

How to become a Patient and Family Advisor?

If you wish to help us meet the needs and priorities of our community, and want to make a difference, please fill out the online application form below.

All fields marked with an asterisk * are required.

For more information, please contact Patient Relations by email at patientrelations@hgh.ca or call 613-632-1111, extension 62050.