Patient Partner (Volunteer Position)

PATIENT PARTNER (VOLUNTEER POSITION)

WELLINGTON HEALTH CARE ALLIANCE

Groves Memorial Community Hospital, Palmerston & District Hospital, and Louise Marshall Hospital

Position Summary:

The Patient Partner Council (PPC) and the Wellington Healthcare Engagement Network (WHEN) represent our patients, families, caregivers, and members of the community who are central to everything that we do as an organization. The PPC plays an important role in identifying priorities, partnering in decision making, and monitoring Wellington Health Care Alliance (WHCA) progress. Integrating patients’ values, experiences and perspectives is a priority at all levels of care.

Members of this group engage with staff members on a variety of topics and projects such as new policies, procedures, programs, etc. Patient Partner's are also provided opportunities to give additional insights through surveys, and other types of feedback requests, taking part in special committees such as designing quality and patient safety tools, or by sharing their stories and experiences with their level of comfort.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in improvement activities in person, by telephone, or email. Feedback from patients is used to "co-design" improvements
• Provide respectful, insightful suggestions in a safe environment
• Assist with the development of new practices that are patient and family focuses
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of patient and organizationally sensitive information
• Participation where the patient's voice informs improvements
• Short-term commitments to unit specific projects
• Commitment varies based on the activities and the needs of the project
• Commitment of 2 years
• Commitment to attend 9-10 meetings per year (July/August no meetings) 
• Meetings are held every month on the 4th Tuesday for 2 hours from 3-5 PM
• Meetings are a planned combination of in-person and virtual with an effort planned for in-person meetings to be held at each of the three sites.

Qualifications:

• Experience with care at one or more of the hospitals in the WHCA as a patient, family member or caregiver.
• An interest in participating in work that will improve the experience of WHCA patients and their families.
• 18 years of age or older
• Respect for diversity and welcoming of differences of perspective.
• Ability to think about healthcare “in big picture” ways.
• Collaborative approach to working with staff and other members of the public.
• Respect for privacy and confidentiality
• Ability to consider a range of possible solutions and the ability to offer constructive advice and alternatives.
• Ability to use your lived experiences to help make positive change.
• Ability to support group recommendations even if of a different opinion.

WHCA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and accessibility for all.