KDH Patient and Family Advisor Bob Hale appointed to the Ontario Health Minister’s new PFAC

Kemptville District Hospital (KDH) is very pleased to announce that Bob Hale, Co-Chair of its Patient and Family Advisory Committee, has been appointed to the Ontario Health Minister’s own Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)

Comprised of a Chair and 15 members, the new PFAC of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) will advise government on key healthcare priorities that have an impact on patient care and patient experiences in the province.

Hale was selected from more than 1,200 applicants from across Ontario. He has been an active member of KDH’s Patient and Family Advisory Committee since its formation in August of 2016; he became the Committee’s Co-Chair in November of the same year.

Bob Hale (in red sweater) stands to the right of then Health Minister, Dr. Eric Hoskins. Photo ©Roger Yip

Hale’s work as a Patient and Family Advisor at KDH has included participating in patient safety leadership rounds, providing input to the hospital’s review of performance indicators, and sub-regional planning at the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) level. Recently he was appointed to the Quality and Safety Committee of the KDH  Board of Directors, marking an important first for the hospital by bringing the patient voice to a Board table.

Hale is delighted to be part of the provincial PFAC, whose members were carefully chosen to ensure the Council reflects the perspective and healthcare experiences of a broad cross-section of Ontarians.

“It is an honour to represent patients, families and caregivers to inform policy development and decision making at the Ministry,” he said. “I am confident that we can make a difference and that working together we will improve both patient care and the patient experience for Ontarians.”

Lana LeClair, Vice President of Corporate Services at KDH and the other Co-Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee, commented on Hale’s appointment: “We are so proud to have one of our Patient and Family Advisors at the provincial table!” she said.

“Bringing the patient voice to our decision-making tables is a concept that’s long overdue,” she added. “We are seeing the impact it can have here at KDH, and the potential difference it can make at the provincial level is enormous! “

The creation of the Health Minister’s PFAC was first announced in October 2016, and in September 2017, Julie Drury of Ottawa was announced as Chair. The inaugural meeting of the Council, with then Health Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins in attendance, was held in Toronto in November 2017. A second meeting with Deputy Minister Dr. Bob Bell attending was held in February 2018.

Hale reports that the Council has begun to develop a work plan that will look at issues such as digital health, primary care, mental health, and home and community care.

KDH is currently seeking to add to its roster of Patient and Family Advisors. For more information, contact Lana LeClair at lleclair@kdh.on.ca or 613.258.6133 ext. 222.

About Kemptville District Hospital

Kemptville District Hospital is Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest ranking bestowed by Accreditation Canada. Committed to building healthier communities, we are a model of hospital-led integrated health services within the provincial health system. Kemptville District Hospital consistently ranks among the top hospitals in Ontario for both patient and employee satisfaction. We pride ourselves on being a good partner within the system. Kemptville District Hospital provides primary care management services, acute care hospital services, and advanced orthopedic care.

For further information contact:

Jenny Read, Communications Officer

T: 613-258-6133 extension 223

Email: jread@kdh.on.ca

www.kdh.on.ca