Almonte hospital seeks advisory committee members

ALMONTE – Bonnie Lowry Bagshaw was born and raised in the local area and likes to give back to the community. As the first Chair of Almonte General Hospital’s (AGH) Patient and Family Advisory committee (PFAC), she is doing just that.

“AGH is a valued resource and I want to make an impact on the care that is provided there every day,” says Bagshaw. “Over the past two years, the PFAC has been involved in many projects and is truly making a difference.”

PFAC provides feedback and ideas on all aspects of care, helping to improve quality and safety for all patients. Advisors reflect on their own experiences, or those of their family members, to offer input on everything from hospital policies and processes to building-related topics such as signage. Committee members may also be asked to review patient brochures or to sit on hospital committees.

This past year, the PFAC has been involved in many projects, including discussion regarding post-discharge follow-up calls to patients and the Accreditation survey which involved a review of every aspect of AGH and Fairview Manor.

Bagshaw is an occupational therapist and has recently started to work with the Patient Experience Team at CHEO. She has used the services at AGH for herself and her family, as well as for her parents and relatives.

“I have a great interest in patient and family-centred care, and I want to have a greater influence within my home community,” she said. “AGH provides quality care and the PFAC helps to integrate the voice of patients and families.”

The PFAC is looking for new community members to get involved like Bonnie. “We know that the patients and families are the experts in their own care and their voice is extremely important,” explains Joyce Rolph, Interim Integrated Vice President, Patient and Resident Care. “They are a vital part of the health care team and we want and need to hear from them.”

Patients or family members with recent experience in the hospital (within the last two years) are invited to apply to join the PFAC. “The ideas that our patients and family members provide help to shape the care that is delivered,” adds Rolph. “The Patient and Family Advisory Committee is a key part of our quality and safety program – and another way we are connecting with our local communities.”

To learn more, call 613-256-2514 ext. 2235.