Jill Kirwan

Patient Advisor on the CEO Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) since September 2019

I was born and raised in Sudbury and believe that nature is our best gym! I am married with two young children, ages 1 and 3 years old and have been employed by GSU for nearly five years in both Energy Conservation and Energy Generation fields.

I have had personal and caregiver health care experience. Having had six knee surgeries as a result of a snowmobile accident, I am beyond grateful to the health care teams that have helped me get back to an active lifestyle.

My father passed away of lung cancer at the age of 62, just five months following diagnosis.  I ultimately understood that policies and procedures were not in place to facilitate patients’ wishes to access Medical Assistance in Dying.  Oversights also occurred during transfer of care from out-patient to community-based care, which impacted availability of resources and quality of care.  I was offered the PFA role and gladly accepted.  Being able to contribute my time and provide feedback as a patient and caregiver is very beneficial to ensuring policies and procedures are fluid and ever-changing as the health care system and patient experience continuously improves.

As an advisor, I have been involved with the Introduction to Organization Excellence, patient feedback surveys, communication review of materials/ website, PFA recruitment, attend monthly In-Patient Care Team (NICU, Pediatrics, NEO Kids, Labour & Delivery) meetings and review associated websites, content, and policies.

I believe that the standard and quality of patient care is becoming increasingly important, and there is a much more pro-active approach with consultation, communication and education.