Patient Relations Specialist, Patient Relations - Full Time - Markham Stouffville Hospital

Oak Valley Health•Markham, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Oak Valley Health is seeking a self-directed, well-organized leader to provide support to programs, departments and services to ensure that the patient and family experience is aligned with the Hospital’s Mission of Honoured to Care. The Patient Relations Specialist will have accountability for visibly role modeling the values and attributes of staff working in a hospital focused on delivering an extraordinary patient and family experience, with a lens on quality, safety, risk mitigation and, thereby building internal capacity with staff, physicians and volunteers to improve the patient and family experience. You will act as the patient relations liaison working in partnership with the Program Managers, Directors and Chiefs to assist patients and families with concerns, as indicated in the Excellent Care for All Act (ECFAA). The successful applicant will be able to function independently and maintain confidentiality in this challenging position.

Requirements

Health Related degree required (Masters preferred) and membership with Regulated Health Profession College
Minimum 5 years related hospital experience, working with patients and families and health care teams, and experience and skill in working with diverse populations
Demonstrated skill in conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation and facilitation with the ability and confidence to collaborate with staff/physicians at all levels
Highly developed communication skills (written and verbal)
Strong organizational, critical thinking, problem-solving skills and investigation skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills, high level of maturity and empathy and demonstrated ability to be fair/objective, and handle sensitive situations with diplomacy, tact and professionalism
Strong customer service orientation and respect for/belief in the value of the patient/family as essential members of the health care team
Must have knowledge and understanding of Hospital processes and Legislation (Excellent Care for All Act, Health Care Consent Act, Substitute Decisions Act, Mental Health Act, PHIPA)
Self-directed and highly collaborative
Demonstrated commitment to professional development and build skill set for Patient Relations role
Proficiency in various computer applications (MS Office, experience with RL6 Feedback Software), database management and ability to troubleshoot basic software issues
Demonstrated good attendance and performance records with the ability to maintain these same standards
Demonstrates a commitment to a healthy and safe workplace for self and others (staff, patients, families, etc.) by taking all reasonable precautions and working in compliance with organization related policies, health and safety legislation and best practices and completing relevant mandatory education as required

Nice To Haves

Experience with Patient Relations preferred

Responsibilities

Serves as first point of contact for patients and families with questions, concerns and compliments and provides intake function for all such feedback via, phone, email, letter, in person.
Coordinates the timely review of patient/family concerns including chart reviews, meetings with staff, managers, physicians and the tracking of case follow up to ensure the timely closure of complaints
Mediates and negotiates the resolution of conflict between patients/family and the Health Care Team, de-escalates crisis situations.
Coordinates and facilitates patient/family meetings in response to concerns.
Coaches and mentors staff and physicians in resolving patient complaints and acts as an expert resource to resolve complex complaints.
Identifies quality of care/risk/safety issues and improvement opportunities.
Prepares written responses to concerns and compliments.
Manages RL6 Feedback database which includes documenting/coding feedback, ensuring integrity of the data and report generation.
Identifies trends, analyzes and interprets feedback data, and makes recommendations to leadership regarding areas of focus for improvement.
Provides support and facilitation for patients/families to navigate the system, interpret policy/legislation.
Identifies opportunities for service recovery and supports internal partners based on best practices in patient relations.
Responds and follows up with concerns or inquiries made to the Senior Leadership Team, as directed