I received a phone call the other day from the “Patient Relations” Department in response to my email I’d written days earlier voicing my concerns about how the emergency room Doctor and nurses made me feel amid my mental health crisis the weekend prior to last (In case you missed it: https://wheredidmommyssmilego.com/2023/01/21/i-need-to-be-that-voice/).
The kind woman on the other end of the phone did exactly what I’d wished both the emerg Doctor and nurses had done for me while under their care; she actively listened to me without judgment, she showed compassion and she validated my feelings.
We chatted for about 15 minutes while on my lunch break at work where she collected further information from me and apologized several times for how I was treated (by the police as well). She then told me that with both my lived experience and my passion for mental health advocacy she thought I’d be a great fit for their “Patient Partners Program” and that I should go to their website and submit an application; which I did later that evening.
The “Patient Partners Program” is made up of community members, including patients, family members of patients and caregivers of patients who work together with their staff and physicians to enhance the care experience from the perspective of the patient, family or caregivers.
If chosen into the program it will not just allow me to give my feedback but it will allow me to share my story and experiences. It will also allow me to be a voice for every vulnerable individual who walks through their doors, provide insight on opportunities for improvement and change, help educate and guide decisions on care strategies and work with staff from a patient’s perspective.
Their main goal is to find individuals who are committed and passionate leaders, good listeners, comfortable with sharing their stories, are inclusive, enjoy working with others to develop new ideas, respectful of diversity and supportive of their mission and values. These are all the qualities I try to emulate and strive to achieve in my advocacy work.
There is no guarantee however that I will be accepted into the program but I’m trying not to let that deter me from the reasons behind me sending those 2 letters in the first place because no matter what happens, I know that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.
P.S. I checked my status today on my complaint I also made to the police department. It says it has been reviewed but based on the current backlog they are experiencing it will be assigned to a screening coordinator in about 14 days! Fingers crossed 🤞.
#letter #advocateforchange #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #treatmentresistantdepression #wealldeserveourvoicestobeheard #bethevoiceofchange #createpositivechange #patientpartnersprogram #patientrelations
YouAreEnough 