Update to phone lines at our Birchmount and General Hospitals: If calling through Birchmount main line (416-495-2400), add “7” when dialing an extension. If calling through General main line (416-438-2911), add “8” when dialing an extension.

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Indigenous Patient Navigator

Providing support and advocacy for Indigenous patients and their loved ones.

Illustrated medicine wheel and turtle.

At Scarborough Health Network, we are committed to advancing Indigenous Health services to ensure patients, families and caregivers from Indigenous communities feel safe to seek and receive traditional healing.

We have established the Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) role to provide support and advocate for our Indigenous community members. This includes providing more inclusive care and services, and supporting care hospital-wide to achieve health equity, culturally safe care, and effective care delivery. Our IPN is also involved in community engagement, creating an advisory committee, policy development, health literacy, and other building blocks.

Our services

  • Accommodating requests for spiritual ceremonies and sacred medicines (such as Smudging, Traditional Healers, Drumming, Cedar Baths, Pipe Ceremony, and more)
  • Provide a therapeutic relationship for you and your family
  • Advocate on your behalf (if barriers arise during your healthcare journey, our IPN can help ensure equitable and quality care is given, and that you are able to participate in your own care planning)
  • Attend appointments or meetings with you
  • Connect you with other resources and referrals as needed
  • Help explain what to expect during your healthcare journey
  • Act as a resource for your care team (advise staff on Indigenous cultural safety as needed, at any point during patient care)

Meet Ellie Henry, Indigenous Patient Navigator at SHN

Ellie Henry is a registered practical nurse who hails from Alderville First Nation. After living in Scarborough in her youth, she is returning to the community to take on the role of IPN at SHN.

Ellie has over seven years of experience supervising various staff in healthcare settings within First Nations communities, showcasing her leadership acumen. Through her nursing background, she has also supported community care within Palliative Care, Long-Term Care, and Community Clinics. 

Learn more about Ellie
Ellie Henry at a Smudging Ceremony.
Ellie Henry at a Smudging Ceremony.

How to access care

Contact us

Ellie Henry
General Hospital, Tower 8, Room 113-C
ehenry2@shn.ca
647-669-4904

Or ask a member of your healthcare team to connect you with our IPN.