Patient and Family Advisory Council

At Bay Area Hospital delivering quality care is of the utmost importance. We now have a Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), which in healthcare is a structured group of patients, family members, and healthcare staff who work together to improve the quality, safety, and experience of care within a hospital or health system. It is built on the principle of patient and family-centered care, recognizing that patients and families bring unique perspectives that can guide meaningful improvements.

Purpose and Membership

The Council will provide a formal mechanism for patients and families to share their lived experiences. They will partner with healthcare leaders to shape policies, programs, facility design, and care practices. Finally, they will help improve communication and trust between healthcare teams and the community they serve.

The Council will serve as partners in safety initiatives, quality improvement projects, and patient experience programs. Activities may include review of educational materials, discharge instructions, and care policies for clarity and relevance. They might help to advise on facility design (e.g., waiting areas, inpatient rooms) to ensure they meet patient/family needs. In addition, identifying barriers to care (e.g., communication gaps, scheduling issues) and suggesting solutions will also be part of their activities.

A PFAC includes patients who have received care, family members who have supported them, and hospital staff such as nurses, physicians, administrators, and quality leaders. Members are chosen to reflect the diversity of the community and patient population.

Building a Bridge

There are many benefits a Patient and Family Council bring to the community. A PFAC is a bridge between patients/families and healthcare organizations, ensuring that the healthcare system is shaped by the people it serves.

The PFAC helps staff better understand the needs and concerns of those they serve. It builds a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability. Enhances patient satisfaction and trust. It promotes safer, more effective care by incorporating real-world perspectives.

Activities

Reviewing educational materials, discharge instructions, and care policies for clarity and relevance.
Advising on facility design (e.g., waiting areas, inpatient rooms) to ensure they meet patient/family needs.
Identifying barriers to care (e.g., communication gaps, scheduling issues) and suggesting solutions.
Serving as partners in safety initiatives, quality improvement projects, and patient experience programs.

Benefits

A PFAC is a bridge between patients/families and healthcare organizations, ensuring that the care system is shaped by the people it serves. Enhances patient satisfaction and trust, promotes safer and more effective care, helps staff better understand patient needs, and builds a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

Why become a member of PFAC?

Personal

Give back: Share your experiences to help improve care for future patients and families.
Empowerment: Use your voice to influence real changes in policies, processes, and patient experiences.
Learning opportunity: Gain insight into how healthcare systems work and how decisions are made.
Personal growth: Develop leadership, communication, and collaboration skills by working with healthcare professionals.

Community Impact

Shape better care: Help design patient-friendly policies, materials, and environments that truly reflect patient/family needs.
Promote safety: Contribute to initiatives that reduce errors and improve patient outcomes.
Advocate for equity: Ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are represented in healthcare decision-making.
Strengthen trust: Build bridges between the community and the healthcare system through transparency and collaboration.

Organizational Influence

Be a partner in change: Your input can guide quality improvement projects, patient education, and staff training.
Improve patient experience: Feedback from PFAC members helps create more compassionate, respectful, and effective care.
Leave a legacy: Your contributions can have lasting effects on the way care is delivered for years to come.

Review Patient and Family Advisory Council Charter for requirements for becoming a valued member of the PFAC. Learn about our commitment to patient and family-centered care, council structure, member expectations, and how we work together to improve healthcare quality and safety.

Review The Charter

Apply Today and Join Our Patient & Family Advisory Council

Become a trusted and valued voice in shaping the future of care at Bay Area Hospital. As a member of our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), you’ll partner with healthcare leaders to improve the quality, safety, and experience of care for all patients and families. Your perspective matters. By sharing your insights and experiences, you can help us build stronger connections, foster trust, and ensure that the care we provide reflects the needs of our community. Together, we can make a difference.

Apply Here