Patients & Community Members

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I have just arrived to Toronto for treatment

The Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator supports navigation of patients and families in the cancer system who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis by either clinician or self-referral.

Leonard Benoit is the Indigenous Patient Navigator and​ can support during the different stages of the cancer journey such as:

• Screening
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Survivorship
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care

How can the Indigenous Patient Navigator support:

• Answer questions about what to expect with upcoming appointments or tests​
  
• Support a patient at clinic visits (attends with patient/family)
• Introduce a patient to health care providers
• Find more information about cancer and treatment
• Connect a patient/family with spiritual support, as well as support in the community
• Assist with applications for financial and transportation services
• Advocate with and for a patient/family to equitably and rightfully conduct ceremonial practices and alternative options as expressed by the patient/family.
  Some examples are: smudging, cedar bath, pipe ceremony, qulliq/kudlik

Watch this v​ideo to learn​ more about the important work being done by the UHN Indigenous Patient Navigator »​​

Who can help me with any questions I may have?

The Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator, Leonard Benoit, Leonard.Benoit2@uhn.ca, 647-309-1794, can assist you at any of these Program Hospitals and Cancer Centres*​:

• Michael Garron Hospital
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• Sinai Health System
  
• Mount Sinai Hospital
• Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• Odette Cancer Centre*
• ​Unity Health Toronto
• St. Joseph’s Health Centre
• St. Michael’s Hospital
• Providence Healthcare
• University Health Network
• Princess Margaret Cancer Centre*
• Toronto General Hospital
• Toronto Western Hospital
• Toronto Rehab
• Women’s College Hospital​
  

If you reside outside of Toronto and need the help of an Indigenous Patient Navigator please click here to identify the person in your region.

Are there community support centres that I can get assistance from while in Toronto?

Read our Listing of Social Service Agencies Servicing First Nations, Inuit and Métis (PDF) document to learn about community support centres, including cultural activities and meeting with an Elder or Healer.

Is there transportation close to the hospital?

• The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates buses, streetcars and subways through the City of Toronto.
• For information on bus and subway routes throughout the Greater Toronto Area you can visit TTC.ca or call 416-393-4636 (416-393-info)
• TTC prices and fare information
  
• You can also contact the Canadian Cancer Society for transportation aid through the Wheels of Hope Program

How to get a hospital card

• Visit the hospital where you have your appointment
• Upon arriving at the hospital, you should register at the admissions office and have your hospital card made
• You will need your health card (OHIP card), a piece of identification with your address on it (for example, driver's license)