Patient and Family Advisory Council

Our goal at UM St. Joseph Medical Center is to provide loving service and compassionate care, every interaction, every day to our patients and their loved ones. At UM SJMC, our True North defines our guiding principles that stand squarely on the shoulders of our mission, vision and values, guiding us through the work we do every day. Our True North consists of three simple, but impactful, tenants: our patients, our colleagues and our community.

The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), comprised of staff, patients and family members, focuses on representing the patient and family voice in providing feedback to departments, services, programs and practices throughout the hospital to enhance the overall patient and family experience. Council members work on a variety of patient and family care initiatives to improve safety, quality and the patient experience.

What do PFAC Members do?

Patients and their family members hold valuable information about our patient experience and can offer new ideas and valuable feedback to improve the care they received. Our PFAC members are dedicated to improving the experiences of patients and family members when they visit UM SJMC.

During a PFAC meeting, members will:

• Bring creative ideas to drive improvement.
• Provide a patient and/or family perspective.
• Prepare and engage thoughtfully and constructively with respect to the issues and ideas discussed during each session.
• Show respect to the unique background and perspective of each member.
• Be realistic and mindful of the hospital's budgetary constraints.

Commitment

PFAC members are appointed for a three-year-term, but may be reappointed for an additional three years, with the total consecutive years not to exceed six.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings begin with dinner at 5:30 pm, followed by a presentation and discussion lead by a subject matter expert, wrapping up at 7 pm.

Recent Accomplishments

• Contributed to the revision of our Patient and Family Information Guide, Surgical Services Brochure and Discharge Communication
• Provided input to the Emergency Department waiting room renovations
• Provided input to enhance wayfinding throughout campus including external signage
• Participated in performance improvement initiatives

How Can I Join?

If you have ideas to help improve care for patients and their families and you or a loved one has received care at UM St. Joseph Medical Center, please submit an application for consideration to join our Patient and Family Advisory Council. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. Your voice matters to us and will help us improve the patient experience for our patients and families.