Page 6 - UHN Year In Review 2014-15: Patients As Partners In Care

Cover Story

‘It takes remembering the patient
is a person, not just a procedure’

Judith John talks about the importance of the “simple stuff” — basic human connections —
between healthcare workers and their patients. (Video: UHNToronto YouTube)

There are many sides to Judith John. Recently, Judith has entered another Judith’s passion and advocacy are
Loving wife. Devoted mother. Dear realm of her healthcare experience. emblematic of UHN’s commitment
friend. Successful professional. With more than 15 years as a patient, to making patients a partner in their
Passionate advocate. she is now also a caregiver, following own care, and the reason she’s been
the cancer diagnosis of her husband, selected to be on the cover of this
“I am very fortunate,” Judith says who is being treated at Princess 2014-15 Year in Review.
with a smile. Margaret Cancer Centre.
Judith talks passionately about the
“I consider myself a serial optimist, Cover story vital partnership between patient
because it hasn’t been all smooth These experiences offer a unique and healthcare worker, based on
sailing. Since 1999, I’ve been fighting perspective into a system she has respect, communication and trust.
for my life.” known intimately as the senior She feels that while the clinical bricks
communications executive at two of our healthcare are strong, too
Factual. Understated. Delivered major Ontario hospitals. Rather than often the mortar between them is
without a hint of self-pity despite retreat, she has created a new cracked and uneven ­— because the
a medical resume that includes five scaffolding for her life, channelling communications are not consistent.
surgeries — for cancer and for her experience into energetic
a recurring brain tumour — and advocacy to improve the patient “It takes remembering the patient is
three times “I was sure I was going experience. a person, not just a procedure,” says
to die.” Judith. “It doesn’t take much but it

6 Patients as Partners in Care