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Because your voice matters.

PVN Spotlight: Meet the New Engagement Leader in Patient & Public Engagement!

Posted • Last updated

Categories: News & Events, Patient Voice Mail

We’re thrilled to introduce you to someone new who will be supporting patient engagement across BC, and specifically in the Island region. We sat down with them to ask about what drew them to work in patient engagement, and their hopes for the health care system.

Charmaine Niebergall is the Engagement Leader on the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council’s Patient & Public Engagement team and will be supporting PVN’s work closely. She lives on the Island and supports patient partners and health care teams to work together to improve care.

What drew you to this role?

A friend sent me the job posting and said, “I think this job was MADE for you!” I felt the exact same way. I felt drawn by the opportunity to lean into my knowledge and skills around community development, after finishing my Master’s in Community Development from the University of Victoria.

What interests you in patient engagement?

I was drawn to the opportunity to work more closely with Indigenous partners, and to continue my previous work. It’s important to me that my work supports growth and change in my community. I feel lucky that I’ve been brought into an organization that feels the same way I do about being change agents. It’s a privilege to walk alongside patients, families, caregivers, Indigenous partners, and health care partners on a journey to improve health systems and outcomes.

What are your hopes for patients, families and caregivers’ involvement in improving health care in BC?

My hope is that through patient engagement we can help make the health care experience more culturally safe, inclusive, and efficient. I know what it’s like to have loved ones in the hospital, in long-term care homes or accessing cancer treatments. I know what it’s like to see exceptional care and to see systems that need improvement. I’m hopeful that I can help connect patients and health care teams to make impactful changes.

Tell us one thing about yourself that you’re passionate about, outside of your role with us?

When I’m not working, I love to check out a local show with my friends in Victoria (traditional, unceded Lekwungen Territory), including community theatre, live music, opera, ballet, stand-up comedy and more! When I travel, I always make sure to find local performances to see.

From Our Community

Cherie Mercer

Patient Partner, New Aiyansh

Cherie Mercer

I have learned so much about innovation and capacity building by being part of PVN. I signed up to build my leadership skills, however, I experience benefits for myself, my community and Indigenous peoples throughout the province. I understand more about the complexities and opportunities required to improve health care.