Volunteer Opportunities

Patient & Family Advisory Committee


The Patient & Family Advisory Committee includes individuals representing Red Lake and our surrounding area who have had a recent experience of being a patient or the family member of a patient and is partnering with staff to provide direct input into policies, programs and practices which affects patient care and services.


A strategic goal central is to provide a consistently excellent patient experience for all. Hearing the voices of patients, families and caregivers is essential to transforming and improving the patient and family experience. Integrating the patient's point of view, perspective and experience into service and quality improvements across the organization will help to ensure the delivery of high quality care.


Purpose:


Through collaboration on our Patient & Family Advisory Committee (PFAC), our members shall use their perspective and share ideas to shape policy and programs, deliver care and evaluate health care services to improve the patient experience at RLMCMH.

 

The primary role of the PFAC is to work in partnership to improve quality and safety and to advance the philosophy of patient and family centered care at RLMCMH.

 

The PFAC will exchange and generate ideas and positive ways to advance patient safety and quality by:

  • Developing and promoting a collective understanding and awareness about the patient experience and facilitating patient and family involvement;
  • Generating areas of focus and priorities;
  • Advising and recommending strategies to actively partner in designing, planning and improving health care services in partnership; and
  • Reviewing patient satisfaction data and evaluation methods to help define success of system improvements.
The work of the committee will support responsiveness to the needs of the patients and families in order to create the best health care and the best patient experience possible.

 

Members will be encouraged to share stories that will benefit the advancement of the Patient and Family Advisory Committee.


Friendly Visiting


Friendly visitors work on a one-to-one basis with long-term patients residing in the hospital. They spend quality time and become a friend with patients who may be socially isolated or not receiving the social stimulation or emotional support they may require. Companionship is the key to this program. Depending on their interests and abilities, the pair may have a friendly conversation, play a game or discuss the news.


Requirements & Desirable Characteristics:

  • Minimum age requirement: 18 years and older
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Punctual, warm and caring, cheerful, patient and friendly
  • Interested in working with older adults
  • Ability to respect the privacy and feelings of others
  • Be a good listener
  • Ability to initiate a conversation
  • Successful completion of Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance
  • TB Skin Test


Commitment

  • Volunteers are recommended to visit once a week for approximately one hour which will be tracked through a sign in and out sheet.


Therapeutic Dog Program


The Therapeutic Dog Visitation program involves volunteers bringing their dog to visit patients residing in the hospital. This program is co-facilitated with the Recreation Therapist and provides interactive, stimulating activity that has been shown to get a response from patients who are withdrawn or have limited abilities. Therapy dogs provide an opportunity for patients to give and receive physical touch, display affection, and increase positive emotion.


Requirements & Desirable Characteristics of the Handler:

  • Minimum age requirement: 18 years and older
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Punctual, warm and caring, cheerful, patient and friendly
  • Interested in working with older adults
  • Ability to respect the privacy and feelings of others
  • Be a good listener
  • Ability to initiate a conversation
  • Successful competition of a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance
  • TB Skin Test
  • Successful completion of RLMCMH screening appointment (volunteer and their dog will be evaluated by Hospital Staff to determine suitability for the program)


Requirements & Desirable Characteristics of the Dog:


Your dog should be tolerable to:

  • Strangers
  • Other dogs
  • Fast movements
  • Strange objects
  • Children
  • Loud noises
  • Slippery surfaces

Dog’s with the following temperaments are appropriate for this program:

  • Quiet
  • Friendly
  • Calm
  • Playful


The following core vaccinations for your dog are required:

  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Rabies
  • Canine Hepatitis

Commitment

  • Volunteers are asked to make regularly scheduled weekly or bi-weekly visits at a specified time for approximately one hour which will be tracked through a sign in & out sheet.