Overview

Whether you’re a patient, family member, caregiver — or simply interested in health care — we want your input on how we can change and improve Ontario’s health system.

Your input will help us:

  • improve quality, safety and the health care experience of patients, families and caregivers
  • make sure programs and policies reflect patients’, families’ and caregivers’ needs
  • improve how patients, families and caregivers access, understand and use information and services to make health care decisions

Become a virtual patient advisor to the province

The Ministry of Health engages more than 1,000 patient, family, and caregiver advisors across the province through a virtual pool.

When you sign up to become a virtual patient advisor through this pool, you may be asked:

  • for your feedback on certain policies and programs that affect patients, families and caregivers
  • to participate in patient, family and caregiver engagement opportunities

Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council

The Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council is an advisory body to the Minister and Ministry of Health, consisting of up to 15 members, in addition to a Chair. Council members are appointed by the Minister.

The Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council:

  • provides advice to the minister on key health policy priorities that have an impact on patient care and patient and family experiences
  • provides advice to the minister on the appropriateness and alignment of patient engagement activities across the ministry, to maximize their quality and impact
  • helps identify issues relating to care or health care experiences of patients and families across the health care system, and advises the minister about opportunities to effectively engage with patients and their families on these issues
  • identifies and advises on opportunities to incorporate the perspectives of patients and their families in the policy development process

Learn more about the Minister's Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Recent updates

The 2023–2024 Annual Report of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council — Stewardship: Redefining Leadership and Shaping Health Care with Patients, Families & Caregivers

This report highlights the leadership of the Council over the past year and the impact of their work on the health care system.

The Chair and Council continue to advise on opportunities to advance partnership and engagement with patients, families and caregivers and co-design health care policy and programming within Ontario’s health care system. 

Past reports of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council

Moving Forward Together: Transforming Care Through Partnership and Engagement. 2021-2022 Annual Report

This report highlights the importance of genuine partnership, engagement and co-design with patients, families and caregivers in shaping the future of health care in Ontario.

The 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council — Embracing Change, Shifting Mindsets, Changing Culture: The Collective Impact of Patient, Family & Caregiver Partnership & Engagement

This report demonstrates the impact engagement and partnership have on building a health system rooted in patient-centred care.

Contact us

If you have questions about the Minister’s Patient and Family Advisory Council, please email patientengagement@ontario.ca.