The BC Patient Safety & Quality Council supports those passionate about the healthcare system, from patients, family members and the public to practicing clinicians and administrators to improve the quality of care for patients, residents and families. The Patient Voices Network is a community of BC patients, families, caregivers, and others who wish to use their experiences for positive change to the health care system. The Manager of the Patient Voices Network is responsible for leading all aspects of the provincial Network including advancing strategic priorities. The Manager builds relationships within the health system, including the Ministry of Health, health authority senior leaders and others to advance authentic patient engagement and the core principles of person- and family-centred care. As part of the Council’s leadership team, and in partnership with key provincial partners, this role contributes to the overall development and identification of priorities, operational and strategic plans.

With permission to think outside the box, it is encouraging to imagine the excellence in service that may be achieved when the great minds and perspectives of cross-sector health care professionals, community service providers and patients/families push the boundaries of the status quo and discover new ways of improving the system together. As an Engagement Leader in Patient & Public Engagement, I support both health care professionals and patient partners to make it happen!

The Patient Voices Network is a community of patients, families and caregivers who are invited by health care professionals to participate in the decision-making process of health care improvements at provincial, regional and local levels.Focused on creating a process for including the voice of everyone who accesses care, I have enhanced the diversity of our Interior Region Volunteers and the engagement support provided for marginalized populations. Since joining the Engagement Team in 2013, I have increased the Aboriginal representation in the Interior Network by 450% and have developed Patient Partner and Health Care Partner relationships in rural and outlying areas of the Interior Health Region. Through open communication with community leaders and Health Care Partners we are exploring community specific engagement strategies for rural, remote and Aboriginal populations. It is my role to meet the training needs of each volunteer, support health care professionals, administrators, and decision makers at all levels of the health care system to integrate the patient voice in quality improvement work.

Developed relationships with community agencies and organizations to provide improved nutrition services to the urban aboriginal and marginalized populations of Kamloops. Prepared funding proposals, coordinated promoted, implemented and evaluated community nutrition and active living programs for adults, youth and children. Provided one-on-one nutrition and healthy lifestyle guidance. Promoted food skills through community kitchen and community garden program coordination.