RVH Indigenous Patient Services team facilitates culturally safe and appropriate healthcare experiences for Indigenous patients along their health journey.

Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie is showing a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation by making Indigenous health a priority.

Health disparities with Indigenous peoples is not a new topic of discussion, however RVH is taking the lead and implemented an Indigenous Patient Services program within a hospital. North Simcoe Muskoka has the third highest Indigenous population in Ontario, according to a 2020/21 Census 2020/21 based on information from all 14 Local Health Integration Networks in the province.

“Our job here at RVH is to help support and advocate for Indigenous peoples that we care for in our hospital" says Jodie Erb, Manager of Indigenous Patient Services and member of the Métis community. “We know that Indigenous peoples may feel uncomfortable coming to an institution such as a hospital which can lead to later stages of diagnosis and more complex challenges. By having Indigenous Patient Services in the hospital we are here to build trust with Indigenous communities and make sure our hospital cultivates a safe and comfortable environment while walking their own health journey through Indigenous ways of seeing and caring for one's whole self". 

The Indigenous Patient Services team consists of two Patient Navigators, one who works specifically within the Hudson Regional Cancer Center and one who works hospital wide to support patient needs. This support includes providing culturally relevant resources, cultural ceremonies and patient advocacy.

The program also has two Indigenous Coordinators who work on community engagement, health advocacy, policy development and education. It is a priority to build not only trusting relationships with community members, but also with staff here in our own hospital setting.

The Letter of Relationship between the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle - Indigenous Health Circle (BANAC-IHC) and RVH formalizes our commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for Indigenous communities in the Simcoe Muskoka region. This collaboration builds on existing relationships and aims to address Indigenous health priorities through mutual respect and trust.

Indigenous Patient Services is crucial for providing culturally appropriate healthcare and services to our Indigenous communities within our region. This program is also a driving force on ensuring our hospital is culturally competent and stands confident in our ability to provide culturally appropriate care.

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