Land acknowledgement
We pay respect to the diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who live, work, and contribute to communities across Ontario. We acknowledge that our work and the work of our stakeholders takes place on the traditional territories of many nations, and we are grateful to the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples for hosting us on the land where our Toronto office is located. Our acknowledgement recognizes the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island and supports the spirit of truth and reconciliation. Patient Ombudsman is committed to providing a safer space for Indigenous patients and caregivers to raise their concerns and is working towards building sustainable resolutions.
As a champion for fairness in Ontario’s healthcare system, we recognize that anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare exists.
Part of our responsibility as a crown agency committed to reconciliation, is to recognize the unique status that Indigenous peoples have in Ontario.
Our organization is working to create a space that is culturally safe and strives to establish trust with Indigenous patients, their loved ones and community.
We will continue to update this web-space as additional updates are available.
Patient Ombudsman recognized early on its own limitations serving the needs of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Urban Indigenous patients and caregivers. The development of the Early Resolution Specialist - Indigenous Experiences (ERS-IE) role is our initial effort to address this need and the result of early collaboration with Indigenous health leaders.
For patients or caregivers who self-identify as First Nations, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous, the ERS-IE is available to:
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Help resolve concerns about health care experiences with public hospitals, long-term care homes, and home and community care.
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Help navigate complaint processes for organizations under Patient Ombudsman’s jurisdiction; for concerns outside our jurisdiction, the ERS-IE can guide patients and caregivers to the person or place that may be able to help.
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Facilitate respectful, comprehensive, and appropriate resolutions between patients/caregivers and health care organizations.
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Participate in community engagement initiatives and work with key stakeholders to build awareness of the service.
Our Early Resolution Specialist – Indigenous Experiences can be reached at indigenous.experiences@patientombudsman.ca