Teneth-health-central

Patient & Family Advisory Council

The Patient & Family Advisory Councils (PFAC) are active at both Twin Cities Community Hospital and Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center. These volunteer organizations are comprised of community members who may have been patients or friend or family member of a patient. The Councils serve in an advisory capacity to senior leadership and act as a communication bridge between hospital staff and the local community. Advisors serve in many ways-on councils, committees and one-time focus groups. They may help:

  • Shape patient experience
  • Improve patient safety
  • Design a more welcoming patient and family center environment
  • Participate in forming policies and procedures
  • Review and assist with educational materials
  • Improve processes throughout the facilities

Membership Criteria

Members are selected based upon the following criteria:

  • Ability to represent patient care experience
  • Willingness to work collaboratively and in an advisory role
  • Good listening skills
  • Ability to interact well with differing groups of people and differing opinions
  • Respect of others’ perspectives
  • Positive, constructive attitude
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to participate in a consistent and agreed-upon schedule of meetings and potential subcommittee efforts
  • Commitment to serve for a two-year term with potential to renew or step down at the end of the term

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Encourage greater understanding of the healthcare experience through the eyes of the patient and family
  • Actively participate in establishing a strong partnership between staff, patients and families
  • Honestly share perceptions and expectations concerning health care at inpatient and outpatient areas
  • Evaluate practices, programs and services and provide recommendations that respond to the unique needs of the patient and family based on patient centered care principles
  • Channel needs, concerns and recommendations to the leadership team for review and direction
  • Contribute to the education of present and future healthcare providers
  • Provide a vital link between Tenet Health Central Coast and the community
  • Maintain confidentiality at the council meetings and outside the meetings
  • Respect the collaborative process and the council as the forum to discuss issues
  • Give input based on your own experience but be able to step out of your Individual perspective
  • Collaboratively work on projects identified by the council that will improve patient centered care
  • Participate on other committees and work groups as appropriate
  • Attend all PFAC meetings or notify a staff member in advance if unable to attend

Meetings

If you are interested in learning more about the Patient & Family Advisory Council at either Twin Cities Community Hospital or Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, please contact the Director of Patient Experience.

Twin Cities Community Hospital: (805) 434-4747
Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center: (805) 546-7820