PHSA has two groups of Indigenous patient navigators (IPNs) that support culturally safe experiences for Indigenous peoples. One group of IPNs who works specifically to support those wishing to make a complaint through the Patient Care Quality Office and the other group of IPNs support specific PHSA programs.

Indigenous patient navigators (IPNs):

• Act as a resource and support for Indigenous patients and health care providers to ensure the provision of care is client-centred and culturally safe
• Address/interrupt Indigenous-specific racism
• Promote cultural safety and humility training and education for staff and employees of PHSA

While both groups of navigators support culturally safe experiences for Indigenous peoples, they have different roles.

PHSA Indigenous patient navigator - patient experience

This role specifically addresses patient experiences of Indigenous-specific racism and unsafe care within the health care system. The IPN-patient experience can provide support for filing a complaint with the Patient Care Quality Office (PCQO) as well as provide other patient experience support. 

Site-specific Indigenous patient navigators

Indigenous patient navigators (IPNs) collaborate with Indigenous peoples and their families to ensure access to high-quality care that is trauma-informed, culturally safe and free of racism and discrimination.

These IPNs provide direct service to patients and their families with PHSA programs.

Find an Indigenous patient navigators by site

There are 18 Indigenous patient navigators working at a number of locations across PHSA. For information about specific IPN program, please contact:

• BC Cancer: Visit the BC Cancer Indigenous cancer control page or email icc@bccancer.ca
• BC Women's: Visit the BC Women's Indigenous Health page
• BC Children's Hospital: Visit the BC Children's Hospital Indigenous Health page
• BC Emergency Health Services: email IndigenousHealth@bcehs.ca