Patient Declaration of Values

Contact

Patient Relations & Experience Program

The Patient Declaration of Values is one aspect of our Patient Relations & Experience Program, which aims to amplify our patients' voices and support patient-centred care.

What is the Patient Declaration of Values?

All Hamilton Family Health Team (HFHT) practices are committed to delivering what you value in your healthcare. That's why patients, families, and caregivers wrote this Patient Declaration of Values—a shared language for treatment between patients and their care team.

The Patient Declaration of Values covers four categories. Click the titles below to read more.

I experience empathy and compassion when...

I feel seen, and my emotions are supported.
My care plan reflects my unique needs and preferences.
I feel safe to point out assumptions and biases.
I have your full attention during my appointment.

I experience respect and dignity when...

I feel welcomed and treated with courtesy.
My lifestyle, dignity, and individuality are respected.
My decisions, including giving and refusing consent, are respected.
My personal health information is private and available to me upon request.
My feedback is welcomed and taken seriously.

I experience equity and engagement when...

There is equitable access to healthcare regardless of age, ancestry, citizenship, colour, disability, ethnic origin, gender expression and identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
I feel empowered to voice concerns about systemic racism and discrimination in care.
I am a partner, and my voice shapes policy and program design.

I experience responsibility and transparency when...

I receive safe and high-quality care.
I know what to expect and have the information I need to participate in my care.
I receive answers to my questions and concerns.
I can schedule an appointment with my care team quickly.
I am referred for a test to a specialist and other services as needed.

How was it created?

The Patient Declaration of Values was created by patients, for patients, to ensure that their voices, experiences, and needs are centred in every visit.

The HFHT Patient and Family Advisory Group (PFG) has thoughtfully adapted the Patient, Family and Caregiver Declaration of Values from the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Patient, Family and Care Partner Declaration of Values from the Greater Hamilton Health Network to meet the unique needs of our patient community.

Click the names below to read about the impact of the Patient Declaration of Values from members of the PFG and healthcare providers.

Lindsey George, Psychiatrist

"This is so welcome. It's a great reminder to me, as a clinician, of my responsibility to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for patients. Thank you."

Carly Jones, PFG Patient Advisor

"The Declaration of Values will enhance the patient experience by promoting a collaborative and consistent approach to healthcare delivery, resulting in improved empathy and trust between medical providers and their patients. Patients will feel reassured knowing that medical providers value the relationship with their patients and families/caregivers and see them as an essential part of their care."

Joann MacLachlan, PFG Patient Advisor

"At a time when it's increasingly hard for people to find and reach out for medical care, I'm hoping that the work of the Patient and Family Advisory Group provides a reminder that our Family Health Teams do care for and respect the needs of their patients and that there is a way for patients to give feedback to their healthcare providers."

John Steriopoulos, MSW, RSW

"The Patient Declaration of Values demonstrates the importance of maintaining a patient-centered focus in the provision of services to our clients. Empathy, respect, equity, and accountability as outlined in the declaration also reflect the values of HFHT."

How do I provide feedback on my care?

Your voice matters. We want to hear from you, whether you have a compliment, question, or concern about your care.

Consider speaking with your healthcare provider first, as they know you best; you are also welcome to contact HFHT Patient Relations & Experience by filling out the Patient Feedback webform, or by email at patient.experience@hamilton.ca or phone at (905) 667-4848 ext. 127.

Where can I get a copy of the Patient Declaration of Values?

Posters and tent cards that showcase the Patient Declaration of Values will be distributed to HFHT practices in Winter 2023/2024.

You can also download a web version of the poster or a print version of the poster.