Dozens of staff and Patient Partners gathered in the De Gasperis Conservatory earlier this week to share gratitude for the UHN Patient Partners who draw from their lived experiences to work in partnership with TeamUHN. The event also celebrated the ten-year anniversary of the program's inception.
"Patient Partners ensure that we see, through their work, the person, and not just the illness," says Dr. Kevin Smith, President & CEO.
Each Patient Partner volunteers their time to help inform and shape care and services by working meaningfully and directly with UHN staff. After completing a 5-step application and orientation process, Patient Partners have the opportunity to share their voices and lived experience on committees, working groups and focus groups.
"Just seeing the maturity and the different lens Patient Partners bring to our decisions, I know that we are better off because of their contributions. I truly can't thank our Patient Partners enough for all they do, not only for UHN, but for advancing science, scholarship and care everywhere," said Dr. Smith.
Launched in January 2015, UHN's Patient Partner program has grown into a network of over 130 individuals who are either previous UHN patients or those who are caregivers for patients at UHN.
Patient Partners also contribute by reviewing patient-facing documents, letters and education resources. Some even share presentations on their personal healthcare journey during meetings and events.
Over the last year, Patient Partners were involved in more than 350 activities impacting clinical care, digital processes, hiring panels, policies, quality and safety of care, strategy, and data across UHN.
No matter the engagement initiative, the purpose and impact of patient partners remains consistent: Provide knowledge and perspectives from their own care experiences to aid staff at UHN with decision-making, service design, and improving quality, care and safety for all.
Pam Hubley, Vice President & Chief Nursing Executive, also shared remarks during a video message played at the appreciation event about the impact of Patient Partners at UHN.
"We really appreciate all of the work that Patient Partners have done in collaboration with our teams, bringing their insights, talents, and very best ideas to the table with us. I'm so delighted to have our Patient Partners attend this event to hear our appreciation for all of the time they've taken to volunteer and commit to the important work at UHN," says Pam.
For Madhu Sharma, a Patient Partner since May 2024, the opportunity to connect at the appreciation event is her favourite part.
"I look forward to coming and meeting patient partners at these events. It feels really good to be part of this group. As patient partners, we all want to do something to help because we've got so much out of the [healthcare] system. That makes me proud to be part of this group," says Madhu.
Madhu's path to becoming a patient partner was deeply personal. After suffering a subdural hematoma — bleeding in her brain — she required emergency surgery.
Following months of rehabilitative care at UHN's Toronto Rehab, Madhu credits the coordinated and compassionate care she received for her recovery. Her gratitude for the team at UHN sparked her desire to give back.
"When I had my injury, I realized how much work went into getting me back to health and then keeping me there. I thought, how could I be part of this? I want to be able to do something to help anybody I can help," says Madhu.
Today, Madhu sits on several high-impact initiatives at UHN, including focus groups and committees such as the Complex Continuing Care Quality of Care Committee, where she participates in monthly safety reviews across UHN. Drawing from her own experiences, she provides a patient's perspective and identifies system gaps and opportunities to improve safety.
"The teams involved are so committed [to improving]. We talk about some mistakes, but it's not a blame game. This is about making sure tomorrow is better than today," says Madhu.
Like Madhu, David Johnston was encouraged to become a Patient Partner after Doctors noted his insights and passion for helping others.
After being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020 and completing treatment at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, David drew from his lived experiences to improve the compassionate care and support for future patients.
Now active on multiple committees, including the Princess Margaret Clinical Practice Council and the Sprott Quality and Safety Steering Committee, David has influenced everything from clinical training to care planning.
"The opportunity to be involved in helping UHN and helping others get better is a gift. It brings meaning to what I went through," says David.
Looking ahead, leads of the Patient Partner program aim to focus on boosting recruitment for more people like Madhu and David, who are passionate about contributing to the patient experience and driving positive change.
"Over the last ten years, we've seen a positive culture shift in the way TeamUHN engages with Patient Partners," says Kerseri Scane, Manager, Patient Engagement for Healthcare Improvement.
"As we look ahead we are committed to strengthening this mindset and working towards deepening the impact of our Patient Partners to ensure high-quality of care and an exceptional patient experience for everyone we serve."
The Patient Partner program is not just growing, it's changing the future of healthcare at UHN — one voice at a time.
