New Patient Discount Program Helps Improve Experiences for Patients and Families

October 7, 2017

As part of the 8th Annual Sharing and Caring Together celebration (September 25th – 29th), Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre announced a new patient discount program for all admitted patients. Inspired by the Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) philosophy, the program hopes to ease some of the financial burden that can accompany a hospital stay.

“Our commitment to patient and family centred care means that we are always looking for new and exciting ways to support our patients and their families,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, Executive Vice President of Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive. “This discount program is a unique and innovative way to support our patients beyond direct medical care, and will help to enhance patient experiences.”

oct-7-2017-patient-discount-program

A new patient discount program will help improve patient experiences by easing the financial burden that can often accompany a hospital stay. (From left to right: Phil Thompson, Manager of Material Distribution, Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, Executive Vice President of Patient Services, Keith Taylor, Co-Chair of the Patient Family Advisor Council, Bonnie Nicholas, Patient and Family Centred Care Lead, Claudio Foresta of Kelsey's Restaurant, Montana's BBQ and Bar and 5 Forks, and Mary Nucci, Contract Procurement Specialist)

The patient discount program was originally established to support patients from regional communities who must travel to Thunder Bay for care. It’s since been expanded to all admitted patients, recognizing that many will face financial burdens due to being unable to work, or to accommodate family members and friends who come from out of town for support.

“A hospital stay can be a stressful experience, especially when it involves travel and being away from work or home,” said Keith Taylor, Co-Chair of the Patient Family Advisor Council.” Part of that stress can stem from the additional financial burden that can accompany a stay in the hospital, and we hope that this patient discount program can help lessen some of that burden while also making our patients and their families feel more welcome and supported.”

At admission to the Hospital, patients will receive a card that can be displayed at participating vendors for discounts and benefits. Depending on the circumstances, the expiry period could be between two weeks to a month. Although the program is still new, the feedback received has been very positive.

This program is made possible by the generous and supportive businesses in our community who have chosen to participate.

“As three local businesses in Thunder Bay, we appreciate the opportunity to support our community, our Hospital, and its patients and their families,” said Claudio Foresta of Kelsey’s Restaurant, Montana’s BBQ and Bar and 5 Forks Restaurant. “We hope that by offering a discount, we can do our part to alleviate some of the strain that patients may experience and make them feel more welcome in our restaurants, and ultimately, our community.”

On behalf of the Hospital and our patients and their families, thank you to all participating vendors:

  • 5 Forks

  • Robin’s Donuts

  • Applebee’s

  • Montana’s

  • Kelsey’s

  • Michael’s Hair Design and Day Spa

  • Kelly’s Nutrition

  • Nucci’s Bake a Deli

  • River Rock Bar and Grill

  • IDA Pharmacy

  • Pizza Hut

  • Shoppers Drug Mart

Sharing and Caring Together Week is a time to reflect on the many benefits of PFCC and to celebrate some of our recent, patient-centred initiatives. In addition to the patient discount program, numerous other initiatives that help improve the patient experience were also celebrated, including:

  • A new patient orientated discharge plan that ensures a more comprehensive and seamless experience for patients upon being discharged from our Hospital.

  • An action plan to help enhance Indigenous Health through awareness.

  • A growing team of local musicians, vocalists and volunteers that form a “music ministry” that provides spiritual support to patients and families through music.

To learn more about the Patient and Family Centred Care Philosophy, please visit www.tbrhsc.net. For more information about the Patient Discount Program or to become a participating vendor, please contact the Patient and Family Centred Care department at PFCC@tbh.net.

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