Volunteers are sought to join a network of patients, families and caregivers to share their experiences with the province’s health care system.
The Patients as Partners Patient Voices Network will hold an orientation session in Summerland on Friday, Sept. 20.
“The orientation session is a fantastic opportunity for participants to learn more about the Patient Voices Network and how they can help make real changes to the health care system,” said Carol Stathers, the Network’s Interior Health Liaison.
Volunteers will receive information and support to participate in focus groups, seminars, conferences and surveys.
The network is not an advocacy group on patient care. Rather, it is intended to provide detailed information to assist Interior Health in evaluating the delivery of its services.
In the past, members of the Patient Voices Network have provided information on the Interior Health Authority’s website. Diabetic members were asked to describe their experiences with the Interior Health Authority’s diabetes strategy.
Stathers said the information is also used in cooperation with the University of British Columbia Okanagan and with Okanagan College.
The Patient Voices Network began as a provincial initiative in 2009. At present, there are around 550 patients in the network, including 160 from the Interior region.
Those interested in joining the network may sign up at patientvoices.ca or call 1-888-742-1772.
Officials with Interior Health will meet with the applicants to determine if the Patient Voices Network would be a good fit.