Vancouver Coastal Health is looking for applicants to join its advisory network bringing a patient perspective to health care initiatives in Richmond and beyond.
The Community Engagement Advisory Network (CEAN), pronounced “keen,” draws on the expertise of about 300 volunteers to ensure plans and decisions stay patient-focused.
“They are so invested in health care improvement … It’s altruistic,” said Saori Yamamoto, CEAN coordinator.
CEAN members have their say on a variety of projects, from influencing how hospitals are designed to making sure information packages for patients are clear.
“[We need] pamphlets patients can understand, especially if they’re prepatory documents. If people are not prepared for that procedure, then it gets canceled,” said Belinda Boyd, leader of VCH Community Engagement.
Right now, Richmond Adverse Drug Events program is looking fort people to review a new document on preventing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease flare-ups that require trips to hospital.
Another Richmond-based committee seeking applications is the Breastfeeding Action and Awareness Committee, which hopes to make Richmond more friendly to breastfeeding moms and babies.
They’re looking for people who have breastfed (or helped a family member breastfeed) in the last five years so they can bring the caregiver’s point of view.
Are you a mom in #RichmondBC? Join our Breastfeeding Action & Awareness Committee to help make Richmond Hospital more breastfeeding & baby friendly! Find out more about this CEAN committee: https://t.co/0htZB3R6RN pic.twitter.com/sKwrmlNlZm
— VCH Healthcare (@VCHhealthcare) October 23, 2018
At Richmond Hospital, breastfeeding is already encouraged. But the health authority is looking at ways to make stores, malls and other public spaces more accommodating for new moms who frequent them.
“There may not be a space that feels private or that you feel comfortable,” Yamamoto said.
She explained it’s in the interest of health authorities to promote breastfeeding since research has noted its health benefits.
CEAN staff seek out patients and relatives from key groups to inform VCH’s decisions. For example, architects working on Vancouver General Hospital’s $180-million operating room renovation are collaborating with people who have been through the surgery facility in the past.
They’ve decided to implement large boards, think those highlighting departures and arrivals at the airport, to keep families in the loop about when their loved ones are in and out of surgery.
“[CEAN members] may never come back into the [health care] system,” Boyd said. “But they have a role in making the system better.”
