Nov 19, 2024 | Patient Stories
As the Patient Advocate, I have a unique role within the hospital. Often this role is filled with working with patients, clients and families to support them with challenges or difficulties they may be experiencing during their hospital stay. However, there is one unique part of my role, and that is the role that I play, alongside with Lisa DePutter, Administrative Assistant, and our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), in facilitating requests through the HDGH Benevolent Fund.
The Benevolent Fund provides support and assistance in the relief of severe but temporary financial hardship and/or unforeseen circumstances outside the control of the individual patient or dependents. This fund has been made possible by generous donations from our community and these donations truly have had a profound impact on our patients and clients. It is because of the Patient Benevolent Fund at HDGH that our patients and clients, along with many others, had their stories turned around and were helped, ensuring that money was not a barrier on their road to recovery.
Many of our patients require restorative care, which often involves specialized equipment that can be a financial burden. The Benevolent Fund enables us to purchase vital items like slide boards, offloading boots, and hand splints. These tools are not just equipment for our patients; they are lifelines for those striving to regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
One of the most touching impactful examples comes from a young client at our Regional Children’s Centre (RCC). Following an injury that limited their mobility, this child faced barriers to both education and continued treatment at HDGH. Thanks to funds from the Benevolent Fund, HDGH was able to assist the client’s family with reliable transportation, allowing this young student to attend school, programming and maintain vital connections with their peers and educators.
We often take everyday items for granted, but for many of our patients and clients transitioning back to independence, these items can make all the difference. Recently, funds were used to purchase a new mattress for a patient who was not able to afford one. This simple yet profound change allowed the patient the means to begin their home recovery and enhanced their overall well-being. It is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest gestures can lead to the biggest transformations.
Facilitated by Lisa DePutter, and approved by our Patient and Family Advisory Council, every dollar raised for the Benevolent Fund directly support our patients and clients and assist with purchasing the necessary equipment, tools and comfort items that contribute to each person’s unique care journey when finances do not allow them to do so themselves.
If you would like to donate to the Benevolent Fund, please visit www.hdgh.org/donate
As the Patient Advocate, I review feedback that is provided by patients, clients, and family. If you have any feedback from your stay (or the stay from your loved one) here at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, I encourage you to reach out. Your feedback might include compliments, inquiries, suggestions or complaints regarding the services that we provide. For more information on my role as a Patient Advocate or to get in contact with me, visit our Patient Advocate page.
As the Administrative Assistant to the Communications and Mission portfolio, in addition to the Lead Agency portfolio, I have the opportunity to work closely with our Patient Advocate and our Patient and Family Advisor Council. In my role, I receive the request for the Benevolent Fund and facilitate the approval through PFAC, assisting with purchasing the items and connecting with our frontline staff to ensure the patients and clients have what they need to support their healthcare journey. I am a firm believer that patients and families should have a voice in their care, and the tools to help them on their journey. I am honoured to support one aspect that can have such a profound impact on our patients and clients.
The Patient and Family Advisory Council is an advisory committee to the Senior Management Council here at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare. The Council helps review areas of opportunity and offers ideas on the best ways to move forward with changes that affect the patient experience. Patient and Family Advisors share suggestions, assist in advancing patient/client and family-centered care, review patient/client related policies, and more.