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
