Become a Patient Family Advisor
Patient Family Advisors (PFAs) are patients, their family members and/or caregivers who volunteer as active members of Nova Scotia Health teams. They provide feedback that helps teams as they set priorities and make decisions that can impact the health care system and the community.
PFAs can sit on individual teams or support specific projects or can apply to join Nova Scotia Health’s 12-person Patient Family Public Advisory Council. You can learn more about this council here.
People interested in becoming PFAs in any capacity can call a toll-free phone line, 1-833-732-5646 (1-833-PFA-JOIN) or email pfajoin@nshealth.ca. Please let us know if you have a specific area of interest. If you’d prefer to review current opportunities and apply using a formal application, please see below.
Thanks for your interest in improving health care by being a PFA!
Current opportunities:
- New! Patient and Family Advisors for Nova Scotia Health Patient, Family & Public Advisory Council (PFPAC) (.pdf)
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Program - Volunteer Advisory Committee Member - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Cobequid Community Health Centre Clinical Affairs Quality Committee – Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Continuing Care Quality and Patient Safety Council Patient Family Advisor - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiac Services Quality Improvement and Safety Team (.pdf)
- Eastern Zone (EZ) Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement and Safety Committee - Deadline: Open (.docx)
- Glace Bay Dialysis Unit Design Committee - Deadline: Open (.docx)
- Northern Zone Continuing Care Quality Improvement & Safety Committee – Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Northern Zone Quality Improvement & Safety Council – Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Northern Zone Primary Health Care Quality Improvement and Safety Council – Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Northern Zone Volunteer Advisory Committee Member - Primary Health Care - Deadline: Open (.docx)
- Nova Scotia Health Healthy Eating Policy Steering Committee - Deadline: Open (.docx)
- NSHA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Various Teams) - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- NSHA Renal Program (Various Teams) - Deadline: Open
How do I apply?
People interested in becoming PFAs in any capacity can now call a toll-free phone line, 1-833-732-5646 (1-833-PFA-JOIN) or email pfajoin@nshealth.ca. Please let us know if you have a specific area of interest.
If you’d prefer to review current opportunities and apply using a formal application, please see below.
For the “Current Opportunities” listed above, please follow the application instructions within each posting.
Apply online by completing and submitting the online application form.
Apply by mail: Please print the form and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Can I apply to become a Patient Family Advisor?
If you have recent personal, family or caregiver experience with any Nova Scotia Health healthcare service, you can apply to become a Patient Family Advisor! Please note, you cannot apply to become a Patient Family Advisor if you are a current Nova Scotia Health staff member, Foundation or auxiliary member or an elected official.
Why should I apply?
Serving as a Patient Family Advisor is a great way to make a difference, improving the health care system for you and your loved ones. Your valuable experience as a patient, family member or caregiver can help make the care we provide even safer. This volunteer opportunity also provides a unique look into your health care system.
What are the time commitments?
Time commitments can vary depending on the opportunity, however most Patient Family Advisor opportunities require attending 1-2 meetings per month for a term of two years. Additional time may also be needed to prepare for each meeting, and to travel to/from each meeting. Many meetings are held during the daytime at hospital sites throughout NSHA. Meetings can often be attended virtually (online) as well.
What about my costs and expenses?
The costs and expenses incurred as a Patient Family Advisor (such as parking, travel and accommodations) are typically reimbursed according to Nova Scotia Health’s Travel Policy.
Contact
For more information, please contact Mike Wheatley (michael.wheatley@nshealth.ca, 902-240-4785)
