Patient and Family Advisory Council

The newly formed Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) brings together patients, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals and community members to share feedback, highlight challenges and promote patient-centered care.

“The Patient and Family Advisory Council is a group that works together to ensure safe, high-quality, compassionate care is upheld at Ivinson,” said Samantha Siddons, Patient Experience Coach and council advisor. ​“These conversations lead to meaningful change by giving our patients and their families a real seat at the table.”

Patient and Family Advisory Council’s is not a new concept, but a proven tool in hospitals across the country to give patient voices a platform and improve patient care. Recommended by the American Hospital Association and supported by other patient centered care models, PFACs promote dialogue between hospital staff and the community. In many hospitals, PFAC input has directly led to developments like improved discharge instructions, better signage, redesigned waiting areas and inclusive patient materials.

At Ivinson, the council will meet regularly to share the lived patient experience, offer feedback on quality improvement efforts and to promote patient engagement. 

“Right now, our council is focused on strengthening communication between patients and care teams, and enhancing overall customer service,” Samantha said of group current initiatives. ​“By listening to patient and family perspectives, we’re identifying where breakdowns occur and working collaboratively to improve consistency, compassion, and clarity across the care experience.”

Goals of a Patient and Family Advisory Council:

• Leading patient experience conversations from a patient and family perspective
• Promoting a culture of patient- and family-centered care
• Collaborating with staff to improve services, programs and policies
• Enhancing the delivery of safe, high-quality care

Through these efforts, the PFAC supports Ivinson’s dedication to continuous improvement and aligns with the hospital’s strategic goals to improve safety, quality and community engagement.

“At Ivinson it is our promise to be trusted partners in world-class healthcare,” said Quality Director Luke Carr. ​“Living that promise means putting patients at the center of everything we do. Through the council, their voices help us keep that commitment and improve the healthcare experience for all.” 

Who can join?
Anyone who has received care at Ivinson, or supported a loved one who has, is welcome to express interest. Council members are asked to share their experiences, listen to others and attend regular meetings. Members may help review educational materials, advise on facility changes or participate in conversations about patient communication and care delivery.

Interested in getting involved? 

Email our quality team to learn more: quality@​ivinsonhospital.​org.