Not About me, Without Me – Great care starts with listening
Healthcare is strongest when it is shaped by the people who use it.
The Patient, Family, Care Partner Advisory Council (PFCPAC) is a group of volunteer community members who work alongside health care leaders, providers and partners to collaborate, advise and help improve programs, services and patient experiences across the Sarnia-Lambton Ontario Health Team.
Members share their lived experiences, ideas and perspectives to help influence decisions, improve care and amplify the voices of patients, families and care partners across our community.
Together, we are helping build a more responsive, compassionate and people-centred health system.
Who can join
Everyone has a perspective worth sharing.
We welcome patients, family members and care partners from across Sarnia-Lambton, with different backgrounds, ages, identities and experiences with the health care system. You don’t need health care expertise or previous committee experience – just an interest in helping make care better.
Steps to join
Your experience can help shape better healthcare in Sarnia-Lambton. Getting involved is easy, and we will support you along the way.
Your voice matters
Hear directly from members about why they joined, what they’ve learned and how they’re helping shape health care in Sarnia-Lambton.
“Grâce à une présentation au Centre communautaire francophone de Sarnia, je me suis joint au Comité consultatif Patients, familles et personnes soignantes afin d’y apporter une représentation de la population francophone de Sarnia-Lambton.
Je suis fier du Centre de santé communautaire francophone de Sarnia qui compte 2 garde-malades ainsi que des services de soutien et consultation familiale, offrant ainsi de nombreux services à la population francophone de la région.” Raymond Proulx
“Being a part of the PFCP and advocating for youth has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Through this opportunity, I have gained valuable insight into the healthcare system, the supports available to youth and families, and the various pathways to care. ” Olivia Freer
“My involvement with the PFCP Council has given me the opportunity to share my perspective on health care services in our community from my own lived experiences. Our input is essential to ensuring quality local health care in the future.” Anita Worth
What to expect
Time commitment
Up to five hours per month
Contribute through meetings, projects and other activities based on your interests and availability.
Training & support
We’ll help you get started
Members receive orientation, training, mentorship and ongoing support, with opportunities to participate virtually and in person.
Opportunities to make an impact
Put your experience into action
Contribute to projects and initiatives across the SL-OHT, build new skills and connections, and help shape better care in our community.
Guided by our principles
Our work is grounded in the Patient, Family and Caregiver Declaration of Values for Ontario and Creating Engagement Capable Environments in Ontario Health Teams.
Creating engagement capable environments
A framework to build the structures, processes and cultures that support meaningful patient, family and caregiver engagement.
Patient, family & caregivers declaration of values
The foundation of meaningful engagement – these values ensure that care is respectful, inclusive and focused on what matters most to patients & families.
Real impact
Our members are already making a difference across Sarnia-Lambton. By sharing their experiences, perspectives and ideas, members have helped:
- Create and implement a patient experience survey
- Design health care resources for patients and families
- Support community outreach and promote access to local programs and services
- Contribute to the Age-Friendly Expo and website development
- Strengthen system navigation supports
- Participate in recruitment videos
- Build leadership and teamwork skills through their involvement
- Learn and grow through training and education opportunities
Ready to make a difference
Your experience, perspective and voice can help shape better health care across Sarnia-Lambton.
Whether you’ve received care yourself, supported a loved one or simply want to help improve the health system in our community, we’d love to hear from you.