We are so thankful for the continued support from Ben and the important contributions he makes to our work at the KW4 OHT.
Could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your role in the community?
Ben Benninger is a retired Municipal Councillor, married with two grown boys, one an Architect/Project Manager living in New York, NYC, and the other married, living in London, and working for a Cybersecurity firm. Ben currently serves as the Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Representative at St. Mary’s General Hospital (SMGH) and Steering Committee member of the KW4 OHT.
What initially drew you to become involved as a steering committee member?
Ben was drawn to the KW4 Steering Committee by the concept of giving back and contributing in a meaningful way to the healthcare system, as he utilizes the health care system frequently, especially SMGH. He believes that he can bring a useful and practical perspective from "the other side of the stretcher.".
What do you appreciate most about your role?
Ben appreciates the respect given to the "role" of the patient and how it has changed over time. He understands the history of the medical community, where the patient's perspective was not always the foremost consideration. He values the recognition that patients can be meaningful contributors to the healthcare system.
How has partnering with KW4 OHT helped you achieve your goals as a community member?
Partnering with KW4 OHT has helped Ben achieve his goals as a community member. The values of the Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at SMGH align entirely with KW4's objectives. In fact, the co-chair of the PFAC, who was significantly involved with the quality of the patient experience, was recently recruited to Ontario Health, which is indicative of the close alignment and caliber of KW4 members.
What do you hope to see in the near future with your continued partnership with the OHT?
Looking towards the future, Ben hopes that both organizations continue to grow and move forward, learning from each other. For instance, the PFAC can make small adjustments to the hospital environment to allow greater access to healthcare, which is a pillar of the KW4 OHT. Ben is excited about the synergy this creates and is encouraged by the ongoing partnership's potential impact on the community.
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