Patient & Family Partners

Our PFPs voice the important perspectives and diverse views of the people we care for and the broader communities we serve. PFPs at Unity Health help to advance our culture of patient and family partnered care by collaborating on organizational goals and initiatives including but not limited to quality and safety priorities, policies and procedures, communication plans and educational resources. PFPs fulfil this role by drawing from their own personal experiences as patients, family members or caregivers of patients, and leveraging their overall life and/or career experiences.

Participate in special projects, committees or events

• Share your unique and diverse experience and ideas on hospital committees to help us understand how services or processes may impact people differently
• Provide insights and perspectives that will inspire and generate new ideas and solutions
• Be part of organizational decision making and shaping the care experience
• Participate in staff interviews
• Share your story during staff, physician and student education sessions

Our PFPs are a diverse group of people who enjoy working with others (staff, physicians, students, and other PFPs) and contributing ideas, while being able to hear and balance different perspectives with compassion and respect.

We are committed to working with a diverse group of PFPs who reflect the unique communities we serve. As such, we encourage applications from people representing all communities including persons with disabilities, Black, Indigenous and racialized people, as well as individuals from LGBTQ2S+ communities and others who may reflect the diversity of our patient population.

Understanding the criteria to become a PFP is key to ensuring a strong and mutually beneficial partnership. Please take a moment to review the requirements:

• Experience at Unity Health as a patient or family member/caregiver of a patient within the past three years.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Willingness to commit to a minimum of one year. You can choose the activities you wish to be involved in but are expected to be engaged in at least one activity during each year. Time commitment each month will depend on the nature of your project.
• Be able to communicate and cooperate with individuals whose backgrounds, experiences and styles may be different than your own.
• Respect privacy and confidentiality
• Have a positive approach and share insight and information about experiences in ways that will benefit others

1. Complete and submit the PFP application form.
2. After reviewing your application form, a staff member from the Patient Experience team will contact you.
3. Upon acceptance, you will complete the required registration process and orientation program

If you would like to receive additional information on this role, please contact our Experience and Engagement Team by email at PatientExperience@UnityHealth.to.

Patient and Family Councils (PFCs) play an important role in helping hospitals become more patient and family centred. Councils serve as regular meeting forums for patients, family members and caregivers to partner with hospital staff and leaders to shape decisions and influence change.

Highlights of our recent accomplishments

• Unity Health Toronto’s Strategic Plan
• Unity Health Toronto’s Care Experience Charter
• Providence Healthcare – Long Term Care Steering Committee
• Clinical Ethics Team – Patient and Family Education materials
• Accreditation Teams (e.g. Stroke Distinction Accreditation Advisory Council)
• Patient Safety Council
• Leadership interview panels
• New Patient and Family Partner Orientation Sessions
• COVID: Essential Care Partner Steering Committee and Visitation Appeals Committee

Join a Patient and Family Council at:

• St. Michael’s Hospital