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Senior Patient Advocate - Alberta
Corinne Hewko
Hi, I’m Corinne, and I am the first independent patient advocate and healthcare navigator to serve all of Alberta, Canada.
I help patients and their families with their needs as they journey through chronic illness, injury and end of life, from fully understanding treatment options to ensuring their end-of-life wishes are documented, heard and honoured. With my help, patients are empowered to make informed decisions for themselves throughout the journey, with confidence and clarity. Learn more about what a Patient Advocate does
As a 30+ year licensed healthcare professional, my experience is broad, ranging from infertility to end-of-life care. Additionally, as an expert life-transition navigator, I have extensive experience serving seniors, the disabled, vulnerable populations, and those who feel intimidated by our overburdened healthcare system.
I hold an Professional Certificate of Patient Navigation from York University, and am a member of the Alliance for Patient Health Advocates (APHA). I have also been a licensed insurance agent, with comprehensive disability insurance and claims knowledge.
My approach
To me, communication is key. I am committed to ensuring clients feel seen, heard, and empowered in their healthcare journey.
Additionally, I am known to operate with a level of understanding, heart-centred listening, and empathy that only comes via tremendous amounts of personal lived experience.
My primary goal is to educate patients to know their rights when it comes to receiving respectful, quality care in a timely manner, and to teach others how to advocate for themselves effectively. If necessary, I am with them every step of the way, to be their voice, and assist with organizing and managing their needs.
What I do
Facilitate and attend healthcare appointments
Connect patients to critical information, resources and required services
Review and explain diagnoses and treatment options
Organize and manage moves & residential care during periods of transition, and beyond
Assist in end-of-life planning & preparing Advance Care Directives
Help resolve issues between patients and healthcare providers
Provide emotional support, validation and counsel
My story
When I was 4 years old, I began losing my hearing to meningitis. This gradually worsened until age 16 when I became profoundly deaf.
At the time, Canada was not implanting people under 18. Undaunted, my mother researched and called the Health Minister, our MLA, my audiologist and my ENT surgeon almost every day, asking the right questions, explaining that I needed this surgery to continue to thrive.
Six months later, I had the cochlear implant that allowed me to hear again.
This was the beginning of a life that showed me, at almost every turn, the power of respectful medical advocacy, and what perseverance can accomplish.
Connie Jorsvik founded Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation, Planning + Education in 2011, after 25 years as an RN. She has supported hundreds of patients and their families in their journeys through serious and complex illness.
Connie offers in-person and virtual healthcare planning education to corporate and community groups, presenting deep insights and practical advice on a wide range of topics, such as how to plan in advance for healthcare emergencies, discuss end-of-life wishes with loved ones, and support aging parents with increasing needs. Additionally, Connie and her team offer premium one-on-one medical organization and care management services.
As an RN for 25 years in medical, surgical and high-acuity maternity care, and 15 years as a cardiac nurse, Connie has a solid foundation serving within the BC healthcare system. She is also the former National Advance Care Planning Coordinator for Dying with Dignity Canada.
Learn more
“I was very thankful of Corinne’s presence, and that she was watching out for me, regardless of the outcome. She does vitally important work, so many people are alone and confused. Never thought I would be one. Wish I could have had her guidance years ago. There is no way to thank Corinne enough for her time and support.”
— A.J., CLIENT