MARKHAM, Ontario, March 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The AskElizabeth hotline offers families and caregivers assistance in finding resources to help them make more informed decisions regarding their health or care options.
"Everyone facing a health issue wants to understand their health options, but information is hard to find if you are unfamiliar with the health system", states Natalie Strouth, Information Specialist at Saint Elizabeth. "Our front line staff answer hundreds of questions each year from people trying to make informed decisions about their health. This program will help people find organizations, services and experts who can provide advice about dealing with their health".
In keeping with Saint Elizabeth's roots, the program is a natural extension of the existing support provided through its social networking site, caretoknow.org, its e-learning programs, and its charitable offerings, including its critically-acclaimed Caregiver Support Program.
"In today's complex health care environment, we have a unique opportunity to support Canadians in their health care journey by providing quick and easy access to credible information," says Saint Elizabeth President and CEO Shirlee Sharkey. "Our hope is to enable more informed decisions that support people's desire to remain in their own homes, and ultimately contribute to a better care experience."
AskElizabeth is accessible by phone 1-877-787-SEHC (7342) and by online chat at www.saintelizabeth.com). Qualified health care staff are available during business hours from Monday to Friday from 8:30am - 4:30 pm ET, in both English and French.
About Saint Elizabeth
Saint Elizabeth is an award-winning, not-for-profit and charitable health care organization known for its track record of social innovation and breakthrough clinical practices responding to client, family and health system needs. The organization's team of 6,000 nurses, rehabilitation therapists, personal support workers and crisis-intervention staff deliver nearly five million health care visits annually. www.saintelizabeth.com
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