In January, the Cardiology Program at Humber River Health (Humber) proudly announced the relaunch of their Heart Failure (HF) Clinic, which provides heart failure patients with expert care to help them manage their condition. 

Through the HF Clinic, patients who have been newly diagnosed with HF, have difficulty controlling HF symptoms, or have had recent admission to the hospital with HF can continue their medical management within the Hospital. Patients receive access to the specialized care they need faster while reducing the chance of readmission or the need for hospitalization. 

Relaunching the HF Clinic at Humber was a team effort to ensure the program would meet each patient’s unique treatment, education, and therapeutic needs. Included on this team was Marjan Dehghani, who plays a significant role as a Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC) member in the Cardiology Program. Humber’s PFAC is a dedicated volunteer group of former and current patients and family members. This team of more than 50 individuals focuses on quality improvement at the unit and corporate level, highlighting gaps or issues for hospital staff and leaders. 

Marjan became a PFAC member at Humber after her mother, Rouhi, was diagnosed with HF. As an empath with a mission to help, Marjan wanted to make a meaningful difference in the Cardiology Program and advocate for patients and their families, ensuring all voices are heard and respected. 

A journey with heart failure 

In 2020, Rouhi, at age 90, was diagnosed with heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFIB). About a year later, she experienced a severe case of Digoxin toxicity and was brought to Humber’s Apotex Emergency Department. Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure, but when not monitored appropriately can be life-threatening. Rouhi was admitted to the Hospital where she was closely monitored and cared for by Humber’s Medical Director of Cardiology, Dr. Syed Nadeem, and the exceptional Cardiology Team.  

After this experience and seeing the expert, compassionate care provided at Humber, Marjan knew she had to get involved to help those experiencing similar situations. 

The value of Humber’s PFAC 

In 2023, conversations began about relaunching Humber’s HF Clinic. Marjan participated in monthly meetings to share her insights and opinions on various quality improvement products and initiatives. Using her first-hand experience, Marjan provided imperative knowledge, guidance, and consultation around patients’ expectations and how the Cardiology Program can better meet these expectations through various activities, patient materials, and more. 

“Patient and Family Advisors, like Marjan, are a significant part of our organization’s journey,” explains Krystle Luu, Humber’s Director of Nephrology, Cardiodiagnostics, and Respiratory Therapy. “We recognize and value the importance of incorporating the perspectives of patients and their families into our initiatives to enhance quality, safety, and efficiencies for our diverse patient population.”   

Thanks to regular follow-ups and visits to Humber’s HF Clinic, Marjan and her now 94-year-old mother have successfully mitigated and prevented frequent hospitalizations and emergency visits.

The HF Clinic not only strengthens Humber’s commitment to bringing care closer to home for their community, but also furthers the growth and evolution of the Cardiology Program. A key component of Humber’s vision for the future is creating an on-site cardiac catheterization laboratory to support the health needs of Northwest Toronto. The Heart Failure Clinic brings the Hospital one step closer to achieving this vision. 

Interested in becoming a Patient and Family Advisor at Humber? Learn more here.