PFAC

Toronto Stroke Networks Patient and Family Advisors (PFA)
 
Back in 2016, I attended a March of Dimes Peers Fostering Hope training course where many guest speakers shared their expertise about stroke care.  One of these speakers, Donna, spoke about the Toronto Stroke Networks wanting to bring together a group of persons with stroke family members and caregivers to become advisors for the network.  The role of the advisors would be to share their stroke recovery stories, discuss the good and bad experiences and provide advice on initiatives, and thoughts on how to improve stroke care within Toronto.  
I have been an advisor for the Toronto Stroke Networks for 6 years.  There are ongoing projects that I have been involved in such as reviewing education materials, providing advice to research projects, focus groups etc.  I was invited to sit on the patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC).  We meet about 3-4 times a year continuing to provide a voice for persons with stroke and their families.
 
I am now a co-chair with PFAC and it’s an honour to be part of it as I’m also part of the Toronto Stroke Network Steering Committee.  I get to sit across from doctors with an alphabet of degrees behind their names and be treated with respect.  To see up close their passion and determination to constantly look for ways to improve stroke care from the 911 call all the way through to the best recovery possible.
 
For PFAC to continue doing amazing work, the door is always open for people with stroke with experience from all walks of life.  New stories, new ideas are important.  To get involved, go to Toronto Stroke Networks web site click on For the Public a drop down will appear click on Patient and Family Advisor to find information on the roles of an advisor and a link to an application form.
 
https://www.tostroke.com/for-the-public/patient-and-family-advisory/