The successful Aboriginal Patient Navigator (APN) program is a great example of progress that’s been made in providing culturally appropriate care. The APN program helps Aboriginal people access health services. An Aboriginal Patient Navigator acts as a guide for the patient and their family throughout their health care journey. The Navigator acts as a bridge between the patient’s community and the health care system.The service is confidential. Vancouver Coastal Health staff, physicians, social workers, community developers or band health service providers can all make a referral. If you feel that a patient you are working with could benefit from the Aboriginal Patient Navigator program, please visit the APN website, or contact the APN Team at: 1-877-875-1131.

Making progress

Vancouver Coastal Health continues to work on fostering cultural safety in the health care services we offer. Some of these efforts have been the subject of news stories including the Sacred Space at St. Paul’s Hospital. Our Aboriginal Health team is always looking to identify champions and partners to promote these efforts across our organization. If you are interested in learning more about opportunities to strengthen cultural safety in the services that you or your teams offer, please contact Tonya Gomes.

Cultural competency training

VCH offers in-person and PHSA Indigenous Cultural Competency online training. Since 2009, close to 1,500 staff have completed this training. We are also working to ensuring culturally appropriate spaces are part of our health care facilities, such as the new Sacred Space in the HOpe Centre. The Vancouver Coastal Partnership Accord has enabled VCH, the First Nations Health Authority and local First Nations, to work collaboratively to address cultural safety, and improve the services that we provide to Aboriginal peoples across the region.

More information

Aboriginal Health Strategic Initiatives
First Nations Health Authority