In the beginning, when my husband was undergoing brain surgery, I was the epitome of an “average” Canadian: I had no experience or education in the medical realm. I trusted, without question, that our health care system would always take care of him; would always do everything possible for his well being; would always keep him safe. But none of this was my experience. Suddenly I was thrust into a new role: advocate for my husband as we encountered problems, crises, errors, and roadblocks. It was not my intention, in writing my book, "The Fight of Our Life", to castigate the entire health care system but rather to point out some of the areas in which communication fails and mistakes are made (accidentally and frequently), all of which will require your own attention, caution, and persistence should you or a loved one face a medical crisis. Had I known more about the flaws in the system, the lessons I learned (so often too late) could have changed much of our story. Who speaks for you if something happens and you can not speak for yourself. Even if you are conscious, do you know what you need to know to be your own patient advocate? It is something you need to think about, because what you don't know CAN hurt you. For more information about Catherine Hawley and the book, please go to: http://thefightofourlife.ca Catherine is available for speaking engagements. Please contact her to request details at thefightofourlife@gmail.com

1. What you don’t know CAN hurt
you

2. Canada ranks 7th
of 15 peers based on:
• Wait times
• Infections
• post-hospital care etc.
Canada ranks 1st
out of the 15 in healthcare dollars
spent/capita
In 2004 as many as 23,000 patients suffered “adverse
events” while in hospital
Adverse event rates are 7.5 per 100 admissions. 20%
were associated with permanent disability or death

3. January 2015 article in the National Post
Most instances of “adverse events” are not even reported
internally, let alone to some federal agency
As many as 70,000 patients a year suffer serious injury or
death as a result of their treatment
We can anticipate better outcomes when we and our
advocate are actively involved in the process

4. Never accept medications without knowing the 6 W’s
• Who?
• What?
• Why?
• When?
• With?
• Without?

5. Did you know that
patients, especially
outside metropolitan
areas, may not
automatically be given
access to specialists and
facilities they need?

6. There is a difference
between the care
provided under your
OHIP coverage and the
care you can receive
when you have
extended coverage
through an insurance
policy

7. • Your hospital chart
• Test results
• Consultation
reports
• Transfer papers
from hospital to
another facility

8. It is NOT an exact science

23. • More information at www.thefightofourlife.ca
• Visit the calendar on the website for book signings at
Chapters
• The calendar identifies future speaking engagements.
You can contact Catherine Hawley at
<thefightofourlife@gmail.com>