Patient and Family Engagement

At Sinai Health we know that input and insight from patients and families is essential to improving patient experience and outcomes. Our goal, in partnership with you, is to transform care for patients, and their caregivers today and in the future.

As the co-chair, it is an honour to bring my perspective to the group and share in improving the overall patient experience & care provided.

– Danielle, co-chair, Women’s and Infants’ Patient and Family Advisory Council

I know firsthand how different, and important, the patient perspective is from that of a health-care provider, and that including this perspective can lead to better patient outcomes. It’s wonderful that input is now being sought regularly; it’s almost as if we can feel staff's “eureka” moments as they happen.

- Beverly Guttman, Co-chair, Mount Sinai Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council

Being in the Psychiatry PFAC allows me to be heard and supported by a kind, non-judgmental community. The enthusiastic response to my ideas is extremely validating, as is knowing that my experiences can help other people benefit in the future.

- Charise, Department of Psychiatry, Patient and Family Advisory Council

Current Opportunities

We are looking for a diverse group of patient and family advisors to share their experiences to help us improve the health care experience for all. We can support participation with access to technology, education on using technology, and tips on how to share your experience. We can also explore ways to remove barriers to support your involvement. Our area of focus for 2022-2023 include recruiting members for:

Palliative Care Advisory Council (Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital site): We are relaunching the Palliative Care Advisory Council after being put on hold during COVID-19. We want to recruit diverse council members representative of the patients and families cared for in the palliative care unit at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital.
Patient Blood Management Program Quality Improvement Project: Examining the patient experience of undergoing optimization through patient blood management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking to understand the patient experience with the Patient Blood Management program at Sinai Health and contribute to best practices within the provincial program which includes 31 clinics throughout the province. Through partnering with patients and families, this Quality Improvement project will begin the conversation about best practices, patient experiences and how programs can be improved to meet the needs of patients.
Master Planning Focus Group: Sinai Health’s Master Planning team from our Facilities & Capital Development Department, will be holding a series of focus groups to help gather insights from our communities to help Sinai Health’s Master Planning process, including:
- To better understand the unique needs and values of the communities we serve
- To better understand how space can positively support the delivery of care
- To better understand how to create spaces that are welcoming, accessible and culturally sensitive

Contact Us

For more information you can connect with our Sinai Health Patient and Family Advisor Program

Phone: 416-461-8252 ext. 2029

Email: Sinai Health Patient and Family Advisor Program

Impact of Patient and Family Engagement

Patient and Family advisors have been invaluable in supporting the design and delivery of care at Sinai Health. Partnering with patient and family advisors is an approach to delivering patient and family-centred care. The collaboration between patients, families and health care practitioners is essential for continuous safety and quality improvement. Some examples of the ways we have partnered with patients and families include:

Mount Sinai Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council (overarching)
Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council (overarching)
Sinai Health Board Quality Committee
Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) in the Family Health Team
Department of Psychiatry Patient and Family Advisory Council
Women’s and Infants’ Health Patient and Family Advisory Council
Mount Sinai Hospital Fertility LGBTQ Care Advisory
Parent Advisory Council for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Caregiver Resource Centre Steering Committee and Working Group

Here are some of the projects Sinai Health advisors have provided insight and advice on:

Identifying safety considerations/concerns
Improving care transitions
Development of education materials and practices
Guidance on communicating with patients and family following a critical incident
Providing guidance on the design and delivery of care in our mental health programs
Assessing signage and wayfinding
Supporting violence in the workplace initiatives
Review priorities for MyChart, our electronic health record system
Inclusive language and practices to ensure all patients and families feel welcomed and supported
Guidance on the essential visitor policy
Website redesign
Representing Sinai Health on Ontario Ministry of Health: Dialog on Data
Looking ahead to the next ten years with Master Planning

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a patient and family advisor?

You can apply to be an advisor if you or a family member received care at one of our hospitals (Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital and Mount Sinai Hospital). We will also connect with community stakeholders for guidance and advice on programs and projects.

You do not need any special qualifications to be a partner. Your experience is what is most important. We will provide you with any training or onboarding you might need.

Why should I become a patient and family advisor?

Advisors have the opportunity to use their experience in receiving care from Sinai Health and/ or experience in the health care system to improve the experience, quality and safety of care for other patients and families. Our patient and family advisors receive:

Ongoing support and training
Opportunities to attend hospital special events, workshops and presentations
Opportunities to network with other patients and families
Free parking

What do patient and family advisors do?

We know that input from patients and families help to improve the experience and outcomes. When you volunteer as an advisor, you can offer your support in many ways, such as:

Share your experience
Participate in a discussion group
Review or help create materials (brochures, posters, education pamphlets)
Work on short-term projects
Serve on an advisory council
Support individual departments or programs
Participate in staff and student orientation

Is being a patient and family advisor right for me?

Being a patient and family advisor may be a good match with your skills and experience if you can:

Share suggestions and potential solutions to help improve care for others
Talk about your experience but also think beyond your personal experiences
Talk about both positive and negative care experiences and share your thoughts on what went well and how your experience could have been improved
Partner and work with diverse people, including abilities, lifestyle, spiritual views, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression
Listen and bring a positive attitude to discussions, even if you disagree
Keep any information you may hear private and confidential

I have a concern about my recent hospital experience. Is this the right process to address that?

Our patient relations team is the best place to start if you have a concern. You can contact them here:

Phone: 416-586-4800 ext. 5066
Email: [email protected]

I have more questions about becoming a partner. Who should I contact?

For more information, you can connect with our Sinai Health Patient and Family Advisor Program:

Phone: 416-461-8252 ext. 2029
Email: [email protected]