Nova Scotia Health sets up phone line, email to make it easier for people to become patient family adviser

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HALIFAX, N.S. — Nova Scotia Health has set up a new phone line and email to make it easier to become a volunteer patient family adviser with the health authority.

People interested in becoming an adviser can now call toll-free 1-833-732-5646 or email [email protected], and a Nova Scotia Health team will help find an opportunity that matches volunteers' health-care experience and interests.

Debbie LeLievre, Nova Scotia Health's patient experience lead, said she hopes the new contact methods will make it easier for people from various backgrounds to share their experiences and insights with the program.

"Being a volunteer patient family adviser is a great way to make a difference and improve the health care system for you, your loved one and others," said LeLievre.

Patient family advisers are patients, their family members and/or care partners who volunteer as active members of Nova Scotia Health teams. They offer feedback that helps teams set priorities and make decisions impacting the health-care system and the community.

Juanna Ricketts has been a PFA for several years in various roles and now chairs Nova Scotia Health's Patient Family Public Advisory Council (PFPAC), which was formed to advise senior leaders, health care providers, staff and doctors.

"When I started as a PFA, I wasn't sure what I could contribute, but I’ve discovered that my voice and experience as a patient and family member can make a real difference," said Ricketts.

"It's important that the Patient Family Public Advisory Council reflects the people Nova Scotia Health serves, so I encourage people with lived experience in the health system and a desire to improve the health system to consider the opportunity."

The PFPAC currently has six vacancies, including three in the eastern zone, one in the northern zone and two in the central zone.

People interested in becoming an adviser can use an online application form.