Kim Vares , Director of Patient and Public Relations at Dryden Regional Health Centre (DRHC) spoke to Rotary  on the topic of the formation of a Patient and Family Advisory Council.
 
The Council is to be a Partnership of patients and family members and the healthcare team.  Its purpose is to provide guidance on how to improve the patient and family experience.
 
Vares began her talk with a video from the Cleveland Clinic called “Patients: Afraid and Vulnerable” to illustrate the need for the concept.
 
 
The objectives are to improve patient satisfaction, improve the safety and quality of our health care system, improve health outcomes , improve patient and staff experience, reduce health care costs, and soundly align with organization mission, vision, values, and strategic objectives.
 
Kim is looking for patient advisors - contact her if you have:
  • Recent experience as a patient in the healthcare system (2yrs)
  • Ability to use their experience constructively
  • Ability to see ‘the big picture’
  • No ‘axe’ to grind
  • Understanding of, and respect for confidentiality
  • Willingness to collaborate
To end her talk Vares shared a second video of the Cleveland Clinic “If We Could See Inside Others’ Hearts”.