Patient relations

 

At ERHHC, we put PATIENTS FIRST.

 

 

Patient & Family Advisory Council

 

Would you like to be a part of our Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC)?

Read more about it HERE.

Apply to be on the PFAC HERE.

 

Patient Relations

Welcome to Espanola Regional Hospital & Health Centre (ERHHC). Our staff, physicians, volunteers and students are committed to providing quality patient care. We welcome your feedback about what we are doing well and suggestions on how we can improve the care and services we provide.

 

The Patient Relations service is available to support patients, their families and visitors to Espanola Regional Hospital & Health Centre. The Patient Relations Office will work with you and your health-care team to assist with any questions, concerns or suggestions you may have regarding your care and service. This feedback includes compliments, inquiries, suggestions and complaints regarding the services which we provide.

 

We want to respond to patient/family and visitor concerns effectively, at the earliest opportunity.


In June 2010, the Government of Ontario passed the Excellent Care for All Act (ECFAA). This legislation puts patients first by improving the quality and value of the patient experience through the application of evidence-based health care. ERHHC wholeheartedly supports ECFAA and has established a forum for patient feedback.

 

As part of ECFAA, we have also created a Patient Declaration of Values, which is available on our website.

 

 

Patient Feedback

We recognize that our patients and families are our best teachers. Help us see things through your eyes by contacting your clinical team and/or Patient Relations at 705.869.1420 ext. 3048 or by email at patientrelations@esphosp.on.ca 

 

The Patient Relations Office seeks to facilitate the investigation and resolution of patient, family and visitor issues, concerns and complaints. Our department is part of the broader effort across ERHHC to offer the best patient experience through promoting our patient centered mission to provide excellent healthcare programs and services to all we serve.

 

It is equally important to receive compliments from patients and families so we can commend our staff on the excellent care they provide. Our clinical teams continuously strive to work with patients and families to ensure that as many concerns or complaints are addressed at the bedside.

 

For more information on helpful tips for resolving an issue, please see below.

 

What do you do first if you have a problem or a concern? 

 

Step 1 – Talk with a member of the health care team: 

When you, or your family, have a concern, please share these concerns as soon as possible. Feel free to speak with any member of the health care team. They will listen and respond to your concerns. If you have a concern about a staff member, try to speak with them directly.

 

Step 2 – Ask to speak with another team member, if needed: 

If you don’t feel comfortable speaking with the person or your concerns do not get resolved, ask to speak with another member of the team.

 

Step 3 – Ask to speak with the Manager, if needed: 

If concerns are still not resolved to your satisfaction, ask to speak with the Charge Nurse or Unit Manager.

 

Use other hospital resources to resolve your concerns: 

 

We always try to work things out within the team and the unit. If for any reason this isn’t possible, the team will contact other hospital resources such as: 

Patient Relations Office at 705.869.1420, ext. 3048

 

I’m afraid that if I complain, things will be worse for me and/or my relative: 

 

We encourage and welcome your feedback. In fact, this is a cornerstone of our “Patient Declaration of Values”. Hearing from patients and families is the best way to improve the care and services we provide. Please be assured that raising a concern will not negatively affect your care (or a loved one’s care) in any way. 

 

Your concerns will receive our courteous and respectful attention at the earliest possible time. 

 

Talking about serious issues can be upsetting. However, the best way to work together and find solutions is for everyone to behave in a respectful manner. Rude, hurtful, offensive or threatening words or actions are NOT acceptable. 

 

After Hours:

Please leave a detailed message with the Patient Relations Department at ext. 3048 and your call will be returned.

 

Helpful Tips: 

Here are some suggestions for discussing concerns with hospital staff: 

  • “I understand that hospital staff would like to hear from patients and families. I would like to talk with someone about my concerns.” 
  • “I have some questions, when is a good time for us to talk?” 
  • “What you have said is not clear to me, could you explain?” 
  • “I need some time to think about this. Can we talk again later?” 
  • “I think we may need to have someone help us work through this issue?”