Patient & Family Advisory Committee

A Patient and Family Advisor is a person who has had a recent experience (generally within three years) of being a patient, or is the family member of a patient, and is interested in partnering with KDH staff and physicians to provide direct input into policies, programs and practices that affect patient care and services.

Patient and Family Advisors at KDH do one or more of the following:

• Share their healthcare experiences;
• Participate in committee work;
• Review or help create educational or informational materials;
• Work on short-term projects;
• Attend meetings of our Patient and Family Advisory Committee.

Patient and Family Advisors are welcome to provide input in person, by email, or over the phone. No special qualifications are required.

Meet our Patient and Family Advisors!

Edward Wood, P.Eng., PFAC Co-Chair

A long-time resident of Becketts Landing, Tedd attended the University of New Brunswick, earning a degree in Forest Engineering. After university, Tedd worked for forest companies in British Columbia and Quebec. He moved to the federal government, working at the Canadian Forestry Service, and then to the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Working on performance audits, ranging from the construction of the National Gallery of Canada, to a bridge in the Northwest Territories, to Cyber Protection of Critical Infrastructure, and international assignments, has provided a wide range of experience and opportunities to learn. On the personal side, Tedd is married with two adult children and three outstanding grandsons. In fact, most of the family have been patients of KDH at one time or another. The family has always been so appreciative of the level of professional care as well as the compassion and friendliness of staff that make KDH so special. Tedd is involved with the Ontario Woodlot Association as a board member of the Lower Ottawa Valley chapter. He is a petrolhead and a longstanding member of the Alfa Romeo Club of Canada. Fortunate to be retired and looking for a way to give back to the community, Tedd plans to help KDH in any way he can. He joined the Patient and Family Advisory Committee in 2022 and became its Co-Chair in 2024, thereby becoming an ex-officio member of the KDH Board of Directors.

Connie Parsons, PFAC Member

Connie Parsons came to Kemptville in 1984 as the new owner of Kemptville Florist, a local business she owned for nearly 20 years. During that time, she was a member of Kemptville Rotary and became the first woman President. After her life as a Florist, Connie went to South Korea for four years to teach conversational English. Upon returning to Canada, she worked for a local construction company as office manager and health and safety representative until her retirement. In 2017, Connie became President of the KDH Auxiliary, and after her two-year term assumed the position of Volunteer Coordinator for the Auxiliary. In this role she meets with every prospective volunteer and assists them with completing all the volunteer requirements and helping them decide which volunteer program would be the best fit for them. Connie also volunteers as a Greeter in the Emergency Department and assists in the Interim Long-Term Care/Convalescent Care unit with meal service and other activities. In addition, Connie conducts hand hygiene audits as a member of the Infection Prevention and Control committee at KDH. Connie joined the KDH Patient and Family Advisory Committee in 2024.

Dr. Ron Shafer, PFAC Member

Ron hails from Phoenix, Arizona. He has a Bachelor’s in Communication, specialized in Finance and Economics for a Master’s, and earned a Doctorate in Leadership with a focus on Social Chaos. Throughout his academic career, Ron constantly has honed his critical thinking skills. His service in the U.S. Air Force Intelligence has engrained a deep appreciation for precision and disciplined collaboration, traits that carry forward in every endeavor of his civilian life. In 2018, Ron was proud to become a Canadian Citizen, cherishing this country’s values and community spirit. During his academic pursuits, where he was engrossed in achieving a doctorate, he met his incredible life partner, whose support and insights are a constant source of strength for him. Along the way, he has had the privilege of working as a consultant for numerous Fortune 500 companies, observing many cultures and systems. These experiences have enriched his perspective and approach to leadership, strategy, and systems. Ron joined the PFAC in 2024.

Dr. Sue Shafer, PFAC Member

Dr. Sue Shafer is a highly accomplished individual who has significantly contributed to organizational leadership and healthcare charities. She holds an Honours BSc in Health Studies, a Master’s in Health Administration, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Sue met her husband, Ron, during their studies. She received the Dissertation of the Year for her work on the Paradox of Intention. With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Sue has worked with numerous organizations and charities to improve the quality of patient care and service. Her dedication and passion for this field have earned her a lifetime membership in the College of Health Leaders. In addition to her work in healthcare, she served as Transport Canada’s Responsible Executive for Rockcliffe Airport and was CEO of Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, which sets and evaluates animal welfare standards for zoos in Canada. During the recent pandemic, Sue and her husband Ron decided to spread their wings and venture into online businesses to spend more time together. Ron is her everything, bringing her to Kemptville as a Caregiver. Sue joined the PFAC in 2024.

Jackie Smylie, PFAC Member 

Jackie Smylie is a dedicated health care professional and certified patient safety officer with extensive experience in quality improvement, accreditation, patient safety, risk management, and program evaluation for inpatient and community-based programs. Her professional experience includes the roles of Patient Experience Risk Specialist for Home and Community Support Services Champlain; Manager, Quality and Risk at Brockville General Hospital; National Accreditation Manager for Paramed Canada; and National Manager Accreditation for the Victorian Order of Nurses. Jackie holds an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science, Healthcare Administration and Human Nutrition, from the University of Guelph. She is currently Board Member, Vice Chair and Quality Chair, Senior Support Services, for Community Primary Health Care; previous volunteer experience includes serving as Board Member and Governance Lead for the Peer Support Network of Eastern Ontario and Board Member and Quality Committee Chair for Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health. Jackie joined the KDH Patient and Family Advisory Committee in 2022.