Brian Braun, Director

Overview:

The Patient Advocacy staff ensures that patient rights are respected and that patients are satisfied with treatment at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Description of Division Activities:

Patient Representative Program

The Patient Representative Program consists of a group of volunteers that are specially trained in customer relations who welcome each patient upon their initial inpatient admission. The volunteers apprise the patient, family/significant other about the role of the Patient Advocate, assure the patient has received an Admission Packet and Patient Bill of Rights, introduce parking and meal incentives, listen to questions/concerns and either resolve or direct patient/family/significant other to appropriate Division or individual for resolution of question/concern.

Interpreter Services for Patients with Communication Disorders

The Patient Advocate coordinates both internal and external sources available to the Institute for communicating with patients who have special communication needs (non-English speaking and hearing impaired).

Information/Education/Assistance Concerning Health Care Proxy and Advance Directives

Representatives from the Department of Social Work and Patient Advocacy are available upon request to provide information and education, and offer individual assistance for those who wish to complete a Health Care Proxy/Advance Directive or update an existing one.