Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)

Background:

SFMH is embarking on a journey to put a focus on Patient and Family Centered Care. As part of this journey, we implemented a Patient and Family Advisory Council in early 2016.

What is Patient and Family Centered Care?

Patient and Family Centered Care focuses on the “whole person” as a unique individual, not just on their illness or disease.  In viewing the individual through this lens, health care providers come to know and understand the person’s life story, experiences of health, the role of the family in the person’s life and the role they may play in supporting the person to achieve health.

Mandate:

As experts in Patient and Family experiences, patients, families and caregivers are in the best position to provide recommendations on improving the planning, delivery and evaluation of care services within the framework of Patient, Family and Caregiver Centred Care.

The healthcare partners in the Patient and Family Advisory Council are St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH), Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) and Barry's Bay and Area Senior Citizens Home Support Services (BBAHS).

The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), comprised of members of the public and staff of the partners, is dedicated to:

• improving quality, safety and the healthcare experience of patients, families and their caregivers.
• making sure programs and policies reflect patient, family and caregiver needs; and
• improving how patients, families and their caregivers access, understand and use information and services to make healthcare decisions;
• serving as the community advisor/engagement group for BBAHS, MVHPC and SFMH to ensure that the local system is responsive and engaged with patients, families and caregivers in ongoing service improvement and co-design efforts.
   

The Public Members provide the perspective of the patients, family members and caregivers who use the healthcare services, with the goal of helping to provide exemplary patient and family experiences.

Responsibilities:

Public Council members are consulted and involved in matters where the input of patients their families and caregivers is valued and invited. Members advise on behalf of all patients, families and caregivers. They work together to think through challenging issues and suggest potential resolutions. The range of matters includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:

1. Be prepared for meetings by reading all documents pertaining to the meeting.
2. Provide recommendations on the identification of health care needs and gaps.
3. Provide input on policy and program development which impact service delivery to patients and families.
4. Review and comment on new or revised materials developed by the partners, including educational and informational materials, forms, policies and procedures.
5. Contribute to the understanding and improvement of the patient, family and caregiver experience.
6. Assist in reviewing and providing feedback on patient, family and caregiver satisfaction.
7. Promote improved partnerships between patients, families, caregivers, staff and physicians.
8. Participate in education regarding patient, family and caregiver centred care.
9. Participate in partners' committee work.
10. Work on short-term projects.
11. Ensure that an Annual Report is developed that summarizes the PFAC's activities and achievements for the year.
12. Participate in at least 4 meetings per year; if unable to attend a meeting, advise one of the Co-Chairs of the planned absence.

We are currently recruiting members for this committee.  If you have any questions or feedback, please call 613-756-3044 Ext. 238 and speak with Mary-Ellen Harris, CNE & Director of Patient Care Services.

Get Involved

If you would like to learn more about the committee and become a potential member, please complete the application below and submit. A hospital staff member will be in contact with you to provide you with more details and review the application process. 

PFAC Expression of Interest Application Form