Turning ten: TURNING 10:
Three of IH’s original Aboriginal Patient Navigators Three of Interior Health’s original reflect on the program’s first decade.
ABORIGINAL PATIENT NAVIGATORS
reflect on the program’s first decade
Detail from a painting by Jerry Whitehead on display at Kelowna General Hospital.
O
ur health-care system can be complicated. Factors such as language barriers, huge geographic distances, and cultural differences can make it even more so.
Ten years ago, Interior Health committed to addressing some of these challenges with the creation of the Aboriginal Patient Navigators (APNs). The APNs have become valued members of the care team in hospital and community. “Often our APNs work closely within a multi-disciplinary team to ensure our Aboriginal patients’ needs are met in a welcoming and culturally safe manner,” says Brad Anderson, Corporate Director of Aboriginal Health. “I am always so impressed by the level of care, compassion, and systems awareness that they bring to their work daily to ensure our Aboriginal patients feel safe and welcomed. Congratulations on 10 years of providing amazing care and support.”
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