Become a Patient Experience Partner at MGH

Patient Experience Partners at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) are volunteers with recent lived experience as a patient/caregiver who share their own thoughts and ideas to represent the voices of patients, families and caregivers. This point of view helps us improve programs, education and the way we deliver care. 

As a Patient Experience Partner, you can get involved based on your interests, experience and availability. Time commitment varies depending on interest and availability. 

Here are some of the ways partners can get involved at MGH: 

• Joining hospital working groups and committees;
• Being a part of a project or initiative;
• Taking part in hiring interviews for new staff;
• Sharing your lived experience at an educational meeting;
• Creating patient and family education material; and
• Participating on Patient Experience Panels.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

“I’ve been really impressed that what we say really matters to staff and what we ask for and suggest gets acted on.” Deb, Patient Experience Partner 

• Apply your lived experience as a patient and/or caregiver to improve our programs, education and services
• Join a dynamic and engaged team of hospital volunteers – build connections and make new friends
• Continuous learning opportunities
• Receive complimentary parking while volunteering onsite
• Flexibility of participating both in-person and virtually
• Invitation to volunteer socials and luncheons
• Eligibility to apply for volunteer-based scholarships
• Receive long service awards (beginning at 5 years)
• Receive letter of recognition for your volunteer service (after at least 1 year of volunteering)

SUCCESSFUL PATIENT EXPERIENCE PARTNERS...

• Are excited about improving the healthcare experience for all patients and families.
• Want to share their ideas and experiences to help improve programs, services and hospital priorities.
• Are good listeners and can communicate well with others.
• Are respectful of other people's thoughts and ideas.
• Can openly share their thoughts and ideas in a group setting.
• Are open to hearing about other people’s thoughts, ideas and experiences.
• Can promote the mission and values of MGH when engaging with staff, credentialed clinicians, volunteers and the community.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Have received care as a MGH patient in the last three years or cared for a loved one who received care as a MGH patient in the last three years.
• 18+ years old
• Can commit to completing all volunteer requirements such as references, criminal reference check, confidentiality agreement, orientation and other assigned training.
• Participate in a group information session and individual interview with program staff.
• Can commit to volunteering for at least 1 year
• Able to read, write and speak English. This skill level will depend on your role. In some situations, communicating with the help of a family member or caregiver is okay.

Next Steps

If you are interested in becoming a Patient Experience Partner at MGH, the first step is to register for a brief information session where you can learn more about the role, application process, benefits of volunteering and how you can make a difference. You’ll also get to ask questions about the opportunity! 

After attending an information session, you can participate in a short interview conversation with a member of the patient engagement team. Once accepted into the program, you will complete an application, references and other required forms. Then, complete online training and attend a live orientation session. 

MGH is committed to inclusive and accessible volunteer practices. Should an applicant require accommodation during any stage in the application, please contact patientexperiencepartners@tehn.ca

CONTACT 

• Email: @email
• Telephone: 416-469-6580 ext. 3328