John Fraser

Patient Advisor on the CEO Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) since September 2018

I have worked in various levels of government for more than 35 years.  I retired in 2003 as the Manager of the Sudbury Community Arena and returned to University,graduating with a Masters of Divinity Degree. I was ordained as a United Church Minister. I served as a congregation Minister for nine years while in school and after graduation. 

My wife and I enjoy spending time with family. Our son, his wife and three sons live in Pennsylvania, and our daughter and husband live in PEI. I also have two brothers and their families who live in Nova Scotia. 

Following Bariatric Surgery in Toronto, complications developed, it became difficult to get support medical attention here in Sudbury at HSN. I feel that if my experience could help others, then there was value in becoming a patient advisor. 

I am involved with the Chronic Pain Self-Management program and just completed the training required to be a facilitator in the “welcome” portion. I look forward to doing this work with that program. 

I see a desire at HSN to become more open and concerned about the quality of patient care. Doctors, it seems, are being encouraged to be more collaborative in the care they provide. They are encouraged to be more considerate of the patient and their involvement in their own care. There is still a way to go, but it appears that there is a will to explore all opportunities to improve that care and service provided.