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:
- Cancer Care Program Eastern Zone Cape Breton Cancer Centre Redevelopment (.pdf)
- Cancer Care Program Northern Zone QIS (.pdf)
- Central Zone Perioperative Quality Improvement & Safety Committee – Deadline: Open (.docx)
- Dartmouth General Hospital (Various Teams) - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Eastern Zone Mental Health and Addictions Interdisciplinary Quality Improvement & Safety Committee Deadline : Open (.pdf)
- 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)
- Nova Scotia Access and Flow Committee - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- Nova Scotia Pathology and Lab Medicine/Diagnostic Imaging Action Plan Steering Committee - 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)
- Research Ethics Board - Community Representitives - Deadline: Open (.pdf)
- 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 NSHA 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 NSHA 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 NSHA’s Travel Policy.
Contact
For more information, please contact Mike Wheatley (michael.wheatley@nshealth.ca, 902-742-3542 ext. 1472)
