Indigenous Patient Navigator
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) has partnered with the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle (BANAC) to bring Indigenous Patient Navigator services to patients at MAHC. Increased access to culturally safe and relevant care, is an important aspect to ensuring equitable health care services for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples of the region.
An Indigenous Patient Navigator helps Indigenous patients, caregivers, and their families connect with services while receiving care in hospital and upon return to the community.
For more information on the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle and contact information for partnered organizations and agencies, click here.
Services
An Indigenous Patient Navigator supports patients at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital Site and the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Site with:
- health system navigation
- advocating for patients and families within the healthcare system
- support/liaison between healthcare teams and patients
- planning for short-term and long-term healthcare needs
- connecting patients to community resources
- accessing culturally relevant care options (such as Métis Nation of Ontario's Aging at Home Program), traditional ceremonies, connections to Elders and Healers
The Indigenous Patient Navigator will be engaged to connect and offer support if a patient, caregiver and or family member self-identifies as First Nation (status and or non-status), Métis and or Inuit during registration at the hospitals. With the patient’s permission, the Indigenous Patient Navigator will follow the patient through triage, admission, inpatient stays and outpatient visits or follow-up appointments at hospitals locally and/or regionally.
Contact Information
The Indigenous Patient Navigator can be reached directly at 705-708-2541 or by email to sarah.cunningham@mahc.ca.
For more information visit www.mamaway.ca.
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