SUPPORTING PATIENTS AND FAMILIES AFTER DISCHARGE

April 26, 2018

In March 2018, a new series of family-focused education sessions was launched at Runnymede Healthcare Centre. Facilitated by the hospital’s healthcare professionals with guests from partner organizations, the free sessions are designed to inform families about community resources and help alleviate concerns about what to expect after a loved one’s stay at Runnymede is complete.

"Family members told us that they’d feel more comfortable about the discharge process if they had a better understanding about community resources and how to navigate the healthcare system," said Runnymede’s Director of Communications, Julie Hiroz. "We turned this feedback into action by inviting family members to a sit-down education forum here at the hospital."

Presenters at the first dinner-time session, held March 26, included members of Runnymede’s social work team, along with guests from the Alzheimer Society of Toronto and the Toronto Stroke Network. In addition to discussions about home care, long-term care, financial planning and caregiver support, the session was open to questions from patient family members.

Runnymede recognizes that while providing an outstanding patient experience starts with high-quality clinical programs, it also means supporting patients’ and caregivers’ needs after discharge. "Our vision for the sessions is to shine a light on the resources available to patients and families beyond their stay at Runnymede," said Hiroz. "We’re always exploring new opportunities to enhance our patient-centred approach and provide access to information that helps patients reintegrate into the community as safely and easily as possible; the sessions are one new way for us to achieve this."