Become a Patient Family Advisor
We have made a commitment to involve citizens in setting priorities and making decisions that matter to them, impacting their lives, our community and the whole health care system. To do this, we are looking for patients, their family members and/or caregivers to volunteer as active members of one or more of our teams. These members are called Patient/Family Advisors.
You can learn more about our Patient, Family and Public Advisory Council members here.
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)
- Cancer Care Distress Screen Project Committee - Deadline: November 22, 2020 (.pdf)
- Cobequid Community Health Centre Clinical Affairs Quality Committee – Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Glace Bay Dialysis Unit Design Committee - Deadline: Open (.docx)
- MHA Adult Community MHA Service Delivery Model Review Initiative (.docx)
- MHA Provincial Clinical Virtual Care Team (CVCT) steering group (.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)
- NSHA Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement & Safety Council Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- NSHA Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Various Teams) - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- NSHA Renal Program (Various Teams) - Deadline: Open
- Provincial Primary Health Care/Chronic Disease Management Quality Improvement & Safety (QI&S) Council - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Renal Dialysis Department Eastern Quality Team - Deadline: Open (.doc)
- Virtual Care: Telehealth Volunteer Advisory Committee - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
How do I apply?
For the “Current Opportunities” listed above, please follow the application instructions within each posting.
Apply online: Click here to open the online application form.
Apply by mail: Click here to open the paper application form. 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 within the last 12 months, 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, an elected official, or a Community Health Board member.
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, 902-742-3542 ext. 1472)
