AHS Provincial Patient & Family Advisor Network


Volunteering as a Patient & Family Advisor is a unique opportunity to help shape health care in Alberta.

Advisors are individuals with lived health care experience as a patient, family member or care provider. They volunteer not only their time but also their insights and unique perspectives that come from their personal health care experiences. 

AHS Patient & Family Advisors:

  • Bring the voice and perspectives of patients and families to the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of healthcare to ensure those perspectives are included in health care delivery.
  • Types of involvement depends on an Advisor’s interests, experiences, and availability.
  • Opportunities may include casual, one-time, and regular contributions either virtually or in-person, based on their patient experience. 

This volunteer role is advisory in nature, not advocacy in nature.
Patient & Family Advisors are asked to share one patient/family voice but cannot represent all perspectives.

Building a Diverse & Inclusive Environment

We strive to build a community that's a reflection of the Albertans we serve. We are committed to developing an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for staff, patients, and volunteers. It's our ongoing dedication that has allowed us to be recognized as one of Canada's Top Diversity Employers for three years in a row.

As an organization, we take the time to celebrate the differences in our experiences, viewpoints, backgrounds, and cultures that bring us closer together.

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Patient & Family Advisor Opportunities

Virtual Advisors

Reviewing or contributing to online requests such as completing online surveys, projects, reviewing a draft brochure or patient education materials.  

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One-Time Opportunity

Provide important feedback by participating in collaborative discussions, focus groups, one-time planning sessions or storytelling. 

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Committees

Volunteering as a member of a quality improvement working group, an advisory council, a planning committee, or other partnership opportunities.
May be in-person or virtual. 

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Curious to learn more?

To view the Position Description Click Here

What are the qualities of an Advisor?

If you're considering volunteering as an Advisor, consider whether or not you have an interest and ability in sharing your healthcare experiences in ways that others can learn from, as well as whether or not you:

  • can see beyond your own personal experiences;
  • are a good listener;
  • are able to act to advise the improvement process rather than seek to influence an outcome;
  • respect the perspectives of others;
  • are interested in working collaboratively with health care leaders and providers to improve care and experiences for patients and families throughout Alberta.

If you think this is right for you and you're ready to get going, just follow these simple steps: 

Step 1: Click the [Fill in an Application] button on the right-hand side of this page and complete an application form. 

Step 2: We will review your information and be in contact with you to arrange a 1:1 discussion to learn more about your interests, and to give you an opportunity to get your questions answered.  

Step 3: Complete volunteer onboarding including:

    • Providing two (2) references
    • Participating in Confidentiality and Privacy Training, including signing the AHS’s Confidentiality Form
    • Completing a photo and media consent form (optional).
    • Completing a Communicable Disease Assessment Form (if required).
    • Providing a Police Information Check (with VSS if required). 
    • Participating in our online, and program specific orientation.

Step 4: Learn how to use our volunteer software, receive opportunities, access resources, and enter volunteer hours (if you've opted in to receive updates, we will also send you relevant newsletters and email updates).

If you have any questions, please contact Volunteer Resources by email at VolunteerResources.Engagement@ahs.ca.

If you prefer to volunteer at a hospital in your area, please visit http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/volunteers