Patient Advocate

Support & Guidance

Our Patient Advocates are here to support you at every step of your healthcare journey. They assist with navigating healthcare services, understanding your rights, and connecting you with resources for additional support. Whether you have questions or need help resolving concerns, our advocates ensure you receive compassionate and personalized care.


Role of Advocates

  • Liaisons: Acting as intermediaries between patients, RSBCIHI clinics, and outside agencies to streamline access to healthcare and auxiliary services.
  • Culturally Sensitive Support: Providing care that respects the diverse cultural backgrounds of our patients, ensuring that their cultural and individual needs are considered throughout their healthcare journey.
  • Resource Connection: Assisting patients in accessing a variety of essential services including housing, food pantries, legal aid, and financial support, as well as navigating Social Security, Medicare, and public assistance applications.

How Patient Advocates Can Help

  • Listening and Understanding: Taking the time to fully understand your healthcare challenges and the specific assistance you require.
  • Guidance and Direction: Offering information on available resources and directing you to the appropriate services or programs that can meet your needs.
  • Networking: Continuously seeking new and beneficial resources and maintaining strong relationships with community agencies to support our patients' diverse needs.

Contacting Your Patient Advocate

  • Schedule an Appointment: You can contact the Patient Advocate assigned to your clinic to schedule a meeting. They are available at various sites throughout the week, so we recommend calling in advance to arrange a suitable time.
  • Accessible Support: Whether you need help understanding your treatment options, accessing community resources, or navigating paperwork for various health and social services, our Patient Advocates are here to assist.

Why Engage With Your Patient Advocate

Our Patient Advocates are not just facilitators but are your partners in healthcare. They ensure you do not face the healthcare system alone, especially when dealing with complex issues or navigating multiple services. Their goal is to empower you, offering support and advocacy that respects your dignity and cultural values.


Message from Management:

"I'm Mathew Iversen, the Director of Patient Advocacy at RSBCIHI. Our team of dedicated Patient Advocates is here to support you through your healthcare journey. We understand the importance of receiving respectful and culturally sensitive care, and we commit to providing you with the best support possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your clinic’s Patient Advocate. We are here to help you access the care and resources you need to maintain your health and well-being."