AND THE WINNERS OF THE PATIENTS' CHOICE AWARDS ARE...

PETERBOROUGH, ON, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - The winners of the First Annual Patients' Choice Awards were announced today at a ceremony hosted by the Patients' Association of Canada (PAC) and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA). Dr. Carolyn Brown and Dr. David Newport, both family doctors at the Peterborough Clinic Family Health Team, were nominated by their patients for the exceptional care they have provided and for their commitment to enhancing the patients' overall experience within the health care system.

"There is too little public awareness of good instances of the care that patients receive and we want physicians to know that we appreciate their hard work," said Sholom Glouberman, President of PAC. "This award is a way for patients to honour their physicians who have demonstrated exceptional health care by looking beyond treatment and focussing on the well-being of their patient."

The Patients' Association of Canada is a patient-led and patient-governed association which aims to increase the presence of the patient voice in health care in order to improve the experience of everyone in the health field.

"On behalf of Ontario's doctors, I want to congratulate Drs. Brown and Newport on being chosen to receive this award," said Dr. Mark MacLeod, President of the OMA. "We hope more patients will come forward and share the positive impact their doctors have had on their experience in the health care system."

The Patients' Choice Award is a patient-led celebration of the value added to the patient experience. Patients were asked to nominate their physicians who demonstrated a commitment to providing an excellent experience for patients. Patient members of PAC then decided on the winners.

For further information: and to schedule interviews: OMA Media Relations at 416-340-2862 or 1-800-268-7215 ext 2862. On December 1st, please contact Leianne Musselman at 647-638-6800.