Meet Shireen Spencer, Patient and Family Advisor 

Lakeridge Health is proud to have a dedicated team of Patient and Family Advisors (PFAs) who share insights and perspectives from their own lived experience to ensure the voices of patients and families are heard and included. Read Shireen’s story to learn about her experience and how you can be part of this unique group of volunteers.

My journey as a Patient and Family Advisor (PFA) at Lakeridge Health began five years ago. I had been very sick for about a year and a half and ended up having seven surgeries over the course of a year. Soon after, as I was trying to recover from that, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I received my treatments at Lakeridge Health. Once I was finished, I was introduced to the idea of becoming a Patient and Family Advisor (PFA).

After completing the interview process and figuring out what my abilities were and which areas I wanted to lend my voice to, I decided to become a PFA. I wanted to help others along their journeys. I really enjoy getting to share my experiences, tell my story, and help to better connect patients with health-care services. We’re all humans going through the health-care experience, and I think it’s important to listen to each other, work with one another, and see what we can accomplish together.

I work with the Durham Regional Cancer Centre on things like screening and signage, and we have conversations about how we can help make care better or easier. I have also had the opportunity to spend time with patients before they leave the hospital and administer the patient survey to find out what is being done well and what things can be worked on. In addition, I sit on the Quality Committee of the Board of Trustees, where I also help to improve patient care.

I’ve also had the wonderful experience of participating in interviews for all types of positions within the organization. It’s an awesome feeling when the people I felt would be appropriate for a position are selected! One of my favourite things about being a PFA is actually meeting the new hires, seeing them working in those positions, and being able to share my story.

I think it’s really important to emphasize the importance of listening to patients and finding ways to collaborate. It’s also important for the very skilled and educated staff and physicians to remember that patients have questions, and they’ve done their research. Their voices are important, so it’s really a matter of collaboration and cooperation. That’s why I tell my story, and that’s what I’m trying to accomplish.

Becoming a PFA is definitely worth it. It has been a highlight for me to know that I’ve helped support change. I don’t think you can complain or give constructive criticism without wanting to be part of the change. Give yourself a year, or three years, and see what sharing your voice does and the difference it can make.

Becoming a PFA is one of the most direct ways you can affect care and services at Lakeridge Health. We’re recruiting new members for our PFA team. Learn more and apply here.