Patients, families and caregivers

People who use health and social services, and the families and caregivers who support them, are at the heart of our OHT. Their experiences and perspectives help shape how we improve care. We use the term client partner to include patients, families, and caregivers.

Should read Patient, Family and Caregiver Partners

Improving the coordination and delivery of care for patients

The Client Partner Table (CPT) is the Ottawa OHT-ÉSO’s Patient, Family and Caregiver Advisory Council (PFAC). CPT was established in November 2020.

CPT relies on its members’ lived experience and expertise to support the OHT to improve the coordination and delivery of care for patients. The CPT has three core objectives:

To embed the patient, family and caregiver voice in OHT-ÉSO decision making processes;
To co-design care pathways aimed at improving patient experience and care outcomes;
To co-execute the OHT-ÉSO action plans.

Strengthening Care Through Community Voice

Representing Patient, Family and Caregiver Voices

The Client Partner Table (CPT) represents the voices of patients, families, and caregivers. Members share their experiences to help improve care and ensure decisions reflect community needs.The group works to reflect the voices of the many communities we serve and strives to represent the diversity of our population, including equity-deserving communities. Learn more about joining the Client Partner Table.

Patient, family and caregiver engagement

Patients, families and caregivers can partner with OHT in different ways, depending on existing opportunities and their experience, interest and availability.

Share Your Experience
Client partners may take part in activities such as focus groups, co-design sessions, surveys, or community meetings. These opportunities help inform planning and improve care.
Contribute to Ongoing Work
Some client partners join OHT working or action groups, providing regular input to help shape programs, services, and system improvements.
Help Lead and Make Decisions
Members of the Client Partner Table (CPT) help bring forward patient, family, and caregiver voices across the OHT. CPT members sit on key committees and working groups. CPT Co-Chairs also hold voting positions on the Collaborative Leadership Group, supporting shared leadership and decision-making.

Creating Engagement Capable Environments Framework

The Client Partner Table (CPT) supports the integration of the Engagement Capable Environments Framework across the OHT to help strengthen meaningful patient, family, and caregiver engagement. This work is guided by a population health and health equity approach, ensuring that engagement reflects the needs and experiences of diverse communities. The CPT’s work aligns with the Ottawa OHT-ÉSO Health Equity Charter and the Patient Declaration of Values for Ontario, helping ensure care is respectful, inclusive, and centred on what matters most to patients and families.

Client Partner Table (CPT)

The Client Partner Table is made up of community members who share their experiences and perspectives. Membership is reviewed and refreshed regularly, and recruitment opportunities will be posted on this website.

Jennifer Birch-Jones

CPT Co-chair

Pierrette Leonard

CPT Co-chair

Kathleen Conibear

Tim Hutchinson

Sophie Mathew

Sally Rutherford

Shawnna Summers

Debra Turnbull

Resources

We help community well-being by connecting providers, individuals, and families with tools that improve health.

Find essential resources

Key initiatives

Our initiatives focus on promoting improving quality of life, and ensuring that older adults receive coordinated care and support.

What we’ve done

Contact us

We welcome you to contact us if you have a question, concern or would like to provide feedback and additional thoughts.

Get in touch

Land acknowledgement statement Privacy policy Terms and conditions

About the OHT Primary care Find a service Our team News Contact us Partner organizations Events Members area Key initiatives Resources

Get Updates by Email

Subscribe to receive updates, announcements, and information about the work of the Ottawa OHT-ÉSO.

By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy.