first nations health&you

Programs | Services | Advocacy

• Doyouknowwhathealthcareyouareentitledto?

• Doyouknowwhattodoifyouoryourfamilyhasnotreceivedappropriatehealthcare?

• Doyouknowwhotocontactwithyourconcerns,questionsorcomplaints?

FirstNationsHealth&You

TableOfContents[ 1 ] WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A HEALTH ADVOCATE

[ 2 ] WHAT SERVICES AM I ENTITLED TO?

[ 8 ] WHO ARE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS?

[10] HOW DO I MAKE SURE I GET PROPER CARE?

[13 ] QUICK CONTACT NUMBERS

The BC First Nations Health Council supports and assists BC’s 203 diverse First Nations communities to realize their health aspirations and priorities. The FNHC was created in 2007 as a coordinating body mandated to implement the ten-year Tripartite First Nations Health Plan. The First Nations Health Plan serves to guide improvements in the health and well being of First Nations and to close the health gap between First Nations and other British Columbians.


This pamphlet was produced byFirst Nations Health Council1200 – 100 Park Royal SouthWest Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033www.fnhc.ca

The information in this brochure was developed to assist you in navigating the complex health care system.

FirstNationsHealth&You

WhatistheFirstNationsHealthCouncil?

1FIRST NATIONS HEALTH COUNCIL www.fnhc.ca

A Health Advocate helps BC First Nation individuals, communities, and organizations resolve health access issues that are related to Non-Insured Health Benefits, Medical Services Plan, and other applicable health issues.

An advocate also helps individuals request, access or navigate health services across jurisdictions. And they track requests for support in a database and analyze the data for themes.

Some of the ways an advocate can help are:

You live off reserve and you don’t know where or how to access Non Insured Health Benefits.

Your prescription is not covered and you don’t know why.

You have received an ambulance bill - why?

To assist you we may ask for the following information:• Full name as it appears on your Status Card

• Date of Birth

• Status Card Number

• Band / Nation affiliation

• Care Card Number

• Do you live on-reserve or off-reserve?


Whatistheroleofahealthadvocate?

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WhatservicesamIentitledto?

Provincial Health Programs and ServicesYour MSP BC Care Card may entitle you to the following:

• Home and Community Care

• Mental Health and Addictions

• Primary Health Care

• Prevention and Wellness Planning, including HIV/AIDS, Tobacco, Chronic Disease, Child and Youth

• Medical Services Plan provides coverage or partial coverage for basic medical services, such as:

9Hospital services / in-hospital pharmaceuticals

9 Treatment by physicians or specialists

9Maternity Care

9Diagnostic services - x-ray and laboratory

9Oral surgery

9Ambulance service

Status Indians and Inuit residents enroll through Health Canada’s First Nations & Inuit Health Program. If you are not sure if you are covered or what you are covered for call NIHB/FNIH at 1-800-317-7878 and follow the prompts.

Many of the Provincial health programs and services are administered through Health Authorities.


A network of health care services is provided by Provincial Health Services Authority. PHSA operates eight provincial specialized care agencies including:

• BC Centre for Disease Control

• BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill

• BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre

• BC Cancer Agency

• BC Mental Health & Addictions Services including Riverview Hospital and forensic services

• BC Renal Agency

• BC Transplant Society

• BC Cardiac Services.

Some of these programs and services operate in partnership with Regional Health Authorities, or offer services within different regions, while others like BC Children and BC Women’s Hospital are centralized and based in Vancouver.

ProvincialHealthServicesAuthority700 - 1380 Burrard Street Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H3 Phone: (604) 675-7400

Fax: (604) 708-2700www:http://www.phsa.ca

(Regional Health Authorities are on page 15.)

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Federal Health Programs and Services:(Programs and services are dependant upon your community’s Health Plan and your community’s Contribution Agreement.)

If you live on reserve you may be able to access the following services:

• Environmental Public Health Program (EPHP)

Reduces health risks, injuries or deaths, and also raises awareness of environmental public health hazards such as water, food and vector borne illnesses including health problems associated with indoor air quality, mould in housing, and pest control.

• Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)

Focuses on nutritional health of women of childbearing age, pregnant First Nations and Inuit women, mothers of infants, and infants up to twelve months of age who live on reserve, particularly those identified as high risk.

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program

Addresses health problems associated with alcohol use by mothers during pregnancy to reduce the number of babies born with FASD; and supports children with FASD and their families to improve their quality of life.


• Maternal and Child Health

Supports pregnant First Nations women and families with infants and young children, who live on reserve, to reach their fullest developmental and lifetime potential, includes long term support for families who require additional services.

• Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative

Lays the foundation for systemic change in health human resources, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have access to the health care providers that they need both now and in the future.

• Health Careers Program

Raises awareness of health career opportunities and fosters an interest in health science studies in Aboriginal students. The FNIHCP provides contributions to support Aboriginal participation in education leading to careers in the health field.

• Community Primary Care

Services are provided to remote and / or isolated First Nations and Inuit communities when not provided by provincial or regional health authorities

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• National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program - Community-based Program (NNADAP)

Provides prevention, intervention, aftercare and follow-up services in First Nations communities.

• Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative

Ensures that First Nations and Inuit are part of the management and implementation of the Aboriginal Diabetes Initiative (ADI) programs in their region.

• First Nations & Inuit Home & Community Care

Is a coordinated system of home and community-based health care that enables First Nations of all ages with disabilities, chronic or acute illnesses and the elderly to receive comprehensive, culturally sensitive, accessible, effective services equitable to that of other Canadians.

• Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve Program

Provides early childhood/preschool inter-vention that supports the development of the physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional well-being of First Nations children.


• Brighter Futures Program

Improves the quality of, and access to, culturally appropriate, holistic and community-directed mental health, child development, and injury prevention services at the community level to help create healthy family and community environments.

• Blood Borne Diseases and Sexually Transmitted Infections - HIV/AIDS

Provides HIV/AIDS education, prevention and related health services to First Nations on-reserve and some Inuit communities to work in partnership to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission and support those impacted by HIV/AIDS.

• E-Health Solutions

Supports programs in the selection, deployment and support of e-Health infrastructure to ensure that First Nations communities are connected and informed.

• Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)

A national, needs-based benefit that covers all or some of the costs of items and services to eligible First Nations and Inuit such as:

• Dental, Vision, Pharmacy • Medical Supplies & Equipment • Medical Patient Transportation • Crisis Intervention Counselling • Health Premiums in BC (MSP)

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Who to talk to for information:

If you live on reserve contact your Community Health Representative or Medical Transportation Clerk to confirm what is covered or what is not covered.

If you live off reserve contact the regional NIHB office at 1-800-416-7878 and follow the prompts to confirm your eligibility for coverage.

Quick contact numbers:

• Pharmacare 1-800-554-0225

• Medical Services Plan 1-800-663-7100

• BC Health & Seniors Info Line 1 (800) 465-4911

• Health Link BC *811

(Further important contact information can be found on pages 13-16 of this booklet)

Who are Health Care Professionals?

Health care professionals include doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, optometrists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other specialists who are there to help you with your health.


Why should I have a family doctor?

Family doctors can...

• Help you when you are sick. They can also help you to stay healthy.

• Treat your family which helps them develop a better understanding of you and your world.

• Refer you to specialists and tell you about community resources available to help you.

• Help your family understand more about healthy and healthful living.

• Add to the knowledge about Aboriginal health and health practices through research and education.

What can I expect from a Health Care Professional?

Your health care professional should...

• Respect your rights as a Canadian citizen and as a First Nations person

• Treat you fairly and with dignity and respect

• Tell you their name and job title

• Explain your illness, treatment, necessary tests

• Keep your file and personal information private and confidential

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Is my personal information safe?You have the right to access your file. A health care professional cannot share your file without your written permission.

(Note: Consent to access or share your information may not be required if it cannot be obtained in a timely way but the information clearly benefits you; or if the information is needed by a law enforcement agency for an investigation.

If you have concerns about the privacy of your personal information be sure to ask.)

How do I make sure I get proper care?Ask if your hospital has a First Nations or Aboriginal navigator, or a liaison person. They are there to help you. Contact numbers on be found on pages 13 -14.

Before you visit a Health Care Professional...

• Write out all your health concerns.

• Write out all your symptoms and how long you have had them.

• Write out what makes you feel better or worse.

• Write out all the medications, including traditional medicines, that you are currently using.


During your visit...

• Have someone with you for support if you are uncomfortable.

• Present your list of health related concerns and/or questions.

• Advise if you are on any medication and / or treatment This would include traditional or alternative treatments or medications.

• Ask about resources and services that may be available to you.

• Stop the examination or treatment if at any time you feel uncomfortable.

• Ask for information on tests that may be required.

• Review your list of questions or concerns to ensure they have they been answered to your satisfaction.

• If you have run out of time, request a follow up appointment.

If your Health Care Professional has not provided appropriate care or has not followed these expectations, you have the right to take action.

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Voice your concerns...

You know yourself better than any Health Care Professional – trust your “gut instinct.” If you feel that you or your family did not receive adequate health care services, or your rights were not respected, there are steps you can take to voice your concerns, or if necessary, to file a complaint.

Steps You Can Take...

1. Communicate clearly and firmly:

• I feel that I was not provided with proper health services because…

• I feel that my concerns are not being addressed because…

• I feel uncomfortable when…

• I know my rights.

2. Ask for clarification to avoid misunderstanding.

3. Contact the healthcare professional’s supervisor with your concerns.

4. For support contact your Community Health Worker or Representative.

5. If possible, get a new healthcare professional.

6. File a complaint with the appropriate Health Care Professional’s Association or College, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (call toll free 1-800-461-3008).

7. If your complaint or concern is regarding a hospital, public health, or provincially funded health professional, call your local Health Authority about the complaint process.

8. Learn the steps to file a complaint, send written documentation to appropriate organization.

9. If necessary, get a health advocate to act on your behalf.


Aboriginal Patient Navigator / Liaison..

A local Aboriginal Patient Navigator/ Liaison can help you with provincial health programs and services in your region. Please contact your local Aboriginal Patient Navigator / Liaison at:

Lower Mainland

Chilliwack General HospitalTel: 604 795 4141

Fraser North - Serving: Burnaby, Royal Columbian, Eagle Ridge, Ridge MeadowsTel: 604 777-6707

Fraser South - Serving: Surrey Memorial, Delta, Peace Arch, and Langley MemorialTel: 604-587-7940

Children’s & Women’s Hospital / Sunny Hill, VancouverTel: 604 875 3440

Vancouver Coastal Health - Serving: Vancouver General, Sea to sky, Sunshine Central and Metro VancouverTel: 604-875-5600 Ext 63290Toll Free: 1-877-875-1131

Vancouver Island

Victoria General Hospital, Royal Jubilee Tel: 250 370 8847

Campbell River HospitalTel: 250 830 6961

Cell: 250 830 8865

West Coast Alberni General HospitalTel: 250 723 2135 ext 1109

Duncan/Cowichan Hospital Phone: 250 746 6184

Port Hardy Hospital Tel: 250 949 3440

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Central & Northern BCPrince George Regional HospitalCarrier Sekani Family ServicesTel: 250 565 2364

Bulkley Valley Regional Hospital /Dze I K’ant Friendship Society, Smithers, BC Tel: 250-847-5211

Interior Health

Cariboo Memorial Hospital, Williams LakeTel: 250-392-8266

Kootenay Boundary250-304-1254

Royal Inland Hospital250-314-2100 ext 3776

Central/North OkanaganTel: 250-309-9436

South Okanagan General HospitalTel: 250-498-5021

East KootenayTel: 250-919-0193

( Local Aboriginal Patient Navigators/Liaison numbers continued from previous page. )


Regional Health AuthoritiesNorthernHealthAuthoritySuite 600 - 299 Victoria Street Prince George, BC V2L 5B8 Phone: (250) 565-2649 Fax: (250) 565-2640 www: http://www.northernhealth.ca

InteriorHealthAuthority220 - 1815 Kirschner Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7 Phone: (250) 862-4200 Fax: (250) 862-4201 www: http://www.interiorhealth.ca

VancouverIslandHealthAuthority1952 Bay Street Victoria, BC V8R 1J8Phone Tollfree: 1(877) 370-8699 Local (250) 370-8699Fax: (250) 370-8750 www: http://www.viha.ca VancouverCoastalHealthAuthority11th Floor, 601 West Broadway Vancouver, BC V5Z 4C2Phone: Toll Free 1-866-884-0888 Local (604) 736-2033 Fax: (604) 874-7661 www: http://www.vch.ca

FraserHealthAuthority300 - 10334 152A Street Surrey, BC V3R 7P8 Phone: Toll Free 1-877-935-5669 Local: (604) 587-4600 Fax: (604) 587-4666 www: http://www.fraserhealth.ca

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How do I contact the FNHC?

FirstNationsHealthCouncil#1205-100 Park Royal SouthVancouver, BC V7T 1A2Phone: 604-913-2080Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033Fax: 604-913-2081Email: [email protected]: www.fnhc.ca

AllisonDucharmeHealth Advocate Phone Toll Free: 1 -866- 913-0033Email: [email protected]


Notes

OurVision

Healthy, self-determining and vibrant BC First Nations children, families and communities.

OurMission

To implement the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan and support First Nations to determine and achieve their own health outcomes.

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