Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office

Site: Toronto - North American Life Tower

Service: Patient Advocacy, Education and Information

Record #: MET1300
Last Full Update: 13 Aug 2024

Contact Information

Office Phone 416-327-7000, General Inquiries
Toll Free Phone 1-800-578-2343
Fax 416-327-7008
E-Mail ppao.moh@ontario.ca
Website www.ontario.ca/page/psychiatric-patient-advocate-office
Primary Contact Melroy Borges, Executive Assistant; Phone: 416-327-4548; Email: melroy.borges@ontario.ca
Alternate Contact Katerina Tsangaris, Program Manager; Phone: 416-327-7001; Email: katerina.tsangaris@ontario.ca

Agency Information

Legal Status (50) Non Profit

Description and Service Details

Description (Service)

Administers and coordinates patient advocacy and rights advice services, including rights information for patients with changes in legal status, and information and education on Mental Health Act, related legislation, and topics supporting mental health and patient rights

  • protects rights of patients in psychiatric facilities
  • confidential and independent from hospitals
  • systemic advocacy
  • literature in English and French

 

Patient rights advocates available at 9 Ontario inpatient facilities;

  • assist with hospital system navigation
  • resolving concerns, negotiate with staff
  • referrals to community services
  • assistance making informed decisions
  • assistance maintaining responsibility for wellness and recovery
  • involvement in all decisions affecting care, life and treatment

 

Services for inpatients of hospitals without advocates includes information and referral to hospital client or patient relations department, or other relevant services

Hours

Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm; may vary for advocates within designated psychiatric hospitals

Areas Served Ontario
Boundaries Ontario
Eligibility Patients admitted to designated hospitals that have a mental health unit (Schedule 1) ; also clients living in the community who are placed on a community treatment order and their substitute decision makers, if any

Residency Requirements: Ontario
Application

Self or professional referral -- call for information

Languages Translation and interpretation may be arranged for other languages
Fees None

Site Information

Located In Community Toronto
Address & Map
5700 Yonge St
5th Floor
Toronto, ON
Canada M2M 4K5
Intersection Yonge St and Finch Ave W
Mailing Address 5700 Yonge St 
5th Floor 
Toronto, ON 
Canada M2M 4K5
Physical Access Wheelchair accessible automatic main entrance ; Easy access to elevator - braille features ; Barrier-free washroom including door and stall ; Also accessible via Finch subway station

Categories and Classification

HCSD Main Heading Disabilities ; Government / Legal
HCSD Sub Heading Advocacy for People with Disabilities ; Community Legal Services ; Consumer Protection / Complaints
Service Categories Mental Health Facility Complaints ; Patient Rights Assistance ~ Mental Illness/Emotional Disabilities ; Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Disabilities ~ Mental Illness/Emotional Disabilities ; System Advocacy ~ Mental Health Issues

Agency Overview