Three Indigenous Patient Navigators walking down a hallway at Vancouver General Hospital

Indigenous Patient Navigators help connect patients and families to care

Indigenous Patient Navigators (IPNs) are making an impact on advancing culturally safe care by connecting Indigenous patients and families to care that focuses on traditional healing practices and cultural needs.

With 13 Indigenous Patient Navigators providing support, the number of people receiving care has more than doubled annually for the past three years and continues to grow. Last year, IPNs supported over 3,600 Indigenous individuals during inpatient stays.

Helping patients and families navigate the health-care system

IPNs support inclusive care and foster a sense of cultural safety and well-being among patients and families. IPNs seek to understand patient needs and connect them to Elders and ceremonial spaces. They help patients and families navigate the health-care system and build relationships with health-care teams, encouraging understanding and collaboration to implement Indigenous health policies, practices and beliefs. IPNs are part of the exceptional work of the Indigenous Patient Experience and Professional Practice and Quality program.

“I'm very proud of what this small team does for Indigenous patients and families," said Kelly Ball, Manager, Indigenous Patient Experience, Patient Quality and Experience. “IPNs have the biggest hearts and their passion for safe, quality health care is inspiring. Beyond our region, they coordinate care for patients who come into VCH from other parts of the province and even throughout Canada.”

Locations with Indigenous Patient Navigators

  • Vancouver General Hospital
  • G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre
  • Oak Care Centre
  • Lions Gate Hospital
  • University of British Columbia (UBC) Hospital
  • Richmond Hospital
  • Sechelt Hospital
  • qathet General Hospital
  • Bella Coola General Hospital
  • ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital