Patient navigation services

We know that the health-care system can be complex, and finding your way through it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we have patient navigators across Newfoundland and Labrador—to guide you, answer your questions, and connect you to the services that you need at each stage of your care.

Across the province, there are several specialized patient navigator programs that can offer assistance to you and your family, each tailored to specific needs and regions.

If you, or a loved one, is facing cancer, we can help you along your health-care journey. Cancer patient navigators are available across the province to help you understand your diagnosis, play an active role in your care, find the right services and help connect you to the next step in your cancer pathway.

As a cancer patient navigator we will:

• Support you and your family through the cancer journey.
• Help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.
• Connect you to cancer care services and resources.

Contact:

• Call 1-855-848-3888 (toll-free), or reach your local cancer patient navigator:
  
• St. John’s and area: 709-777-2094 or 709-777-2368
• Burin, Clarenville, Bonavista Peninsulas: 709-279-7956
• Central: 709-256-5571
• Western: 709-784-5010
• St. Anthony and area: 709-454-3999
  (from Bartletts Harbour, including South Coast of Labrador to Norman’s Bay)
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay and area: 709-897-3115
  (including Mud Lake, Sheshatshiu, North West River, North Coast, Cartwright and Black Tickle)
• Labrador City: 709-285-8332
  (including Churchill Falls)

If you, or your family member(s), are facing a challenge related to mental health or addictions issues, we are here to help you. The mental health and addictions systems navigator provides a central point of contact to help you find the right services, make connections, answer your questions, and support you as you navigate health and social systems.

As a mental health and addictions navigator, we will:

• Help you identify and navigate mental health and addictions options.
• Help you determine next steps.
• Help you find the right services.
• Help you to make connections with mental health services and other services that impact mental health, such as housing, income support, health care, community care and justice.

Contact:

• Call 709-752-3916 or 1-877-999-7589 (toll-free). Video relay service (VRS) is available.
• Email: MHAnavigation@nlhealthservices.ca
  

We know that cultural differences can affect how you experience health care. Indigenous patient navigators are here to help you navigate the health-care system while respecting Indigenous culture. We assist Indigenous patients with accessing health care, understanding their treatment and receiving safe and culturally appropriate care. 

As an Indigenous patient navigator, we will:

• Support you in accessing health-care services and assist you with discharge planning.
• Assist with translations, medical appointments, travel, and accommodations.
• Help you understand your diagnosis and treatment.
• Connect you to resources to ensure your cultural needs are met.

Contact: 

St. John’s office:

• Call 709-777-2199 or 709-777-2110

Corner Brook office:

• Call 709-640-9007 or 1-833-640-9007 (toll-free)
• Email:IPN.Western@nlhealthservices.ca

Labrador office:

• Simon Gregoire,
  Telephone: 709-899-0725

  Email: sgregoire@sifn.ca

Resources: 

• Referral form (Western) 
• Smudge door sign

If you or a loved one is facing a serious illness, palliative care navigators are here to support you. We offer advice on pain and symptom management, help you explore and understand palliative care options, and ensure you have access to the services you need during this challenging time.

As a palliative care navigator, we will:

• Help you identify palliative services and end-of-life care options.
• Coordinate care, follow-up care and help with medical needs and services.
• Offer emotional support and connect you to community resources. 
• Coordinate supportive services, such as community health; social work; grief and bereavement; and paramedics providing palliative care, if required and/or available in your area.
• Provide advice on managing medications and symptom management.
• Increase understanding around palliative care for with clients/family and health-care professionals.

Contact:

• Call 709-777-7303 or 1-855-690-7303 (toll-free)

Please share compliments, concerns or suggestions with us. The patient relations office listens to your experiences with the provincial health-care system and initiates follow up with relevant program areas. We will also help you navigate the health-care system and answer any questions you may have. 

For more information, visit patient relations.