For many people living in First Nation communities across Northwestern Ontario, coming to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre for medical treatment is their first trip to Thunder Bay. Adjusting to the big city away from friends and family can be difficult, especially for those who cannot speak English.
Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPN) services Indigenous patients in out-patient areas such as the Renal Unit, Regional Cancer Care Unit, and Centre for Complex Diabetes Care. IPN’s can visit patient in other areas of the hospital when they are requested to. The Indigenous Patient Navigator Service provides a number of services for Indigenous patients, including:
- Interpretive services in Ojibwe, Cree, and Oji-Cree anywhere in the Health Sciences Centre
- Support before, during, and after clinical appointments
- Linking patients and families to community resources
- Tele-visitation services with remote family members
- Information and education in a culturally-sensitive manner
- Liaison and advocate between the care team, patients, and families
- Assistance with discharge planning
Contacts
North West Regional Renal Program
Indigenous Patient Navigator, Renal Services
Provides interpretation, advocacy, and support for Indigenous renal (dialysis, kidney disease) patients during renal clinic visits.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (weekdays except holidays).
Phone: 807-684-6166 or 807-684-6695
Fax: 807-684-5841
Regional Cancer Care
Indigenous Patient Navigator, Regional Cancer Care
Provides translation/interpretation, advocacy, and support for Indigenous cancer patients.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (weekdays except holidays)
Phone: 807-684-7200 ext 4324
Toll Free from Northwestern Ontario: 1-877-696-7223 ext 4324
Centre for Complex Diabetes Care
Indigenous Liaison Worker, Centre for Complex Diabetes Care (CCDC)
Provides translation/interpretation, advocacy, and support for Indigenous patients at the CCDC.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (weekdays except holidays)
Phone: 807-684-6907
Fax: 807-684-5928
