Patient and Advisory Council (PFAC)

Mission

The Patient and Family Advisory Council is dedicated to improving the healthcare experience by giving the patient and family a voice to actively participate in the provision of care, treatment, and services."

"We welcome families to participate in every aspect of the patient's care and encourage them to communicate their needs and those of the patient." Carol Reza, Governing Board Member and Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Goals of the Patient and Family Advisory Council

Promote a culturally sensitive and collaborative relationship between patient, family, and healthcare team
Be a connection for respectful and compassionate communication between patients, families, and healthcare team
Provide a mechanism for patients and families input into healthcare practices and programs
Channel information, needs, and concerns regarding patient and family-centered care to healthcare team and hospital leaders
Establish a multi-cultural and diverse generational membership to address the patient/family population
Actively recommend and implement change
Provide an opportunity for healthcare team members to advocate for as well as hear the voice of the patient and family member(s)
Create a safe place where patients and families are comfortable to voice concerns and provide input to their care

What Do Members of the PFAC Do?

Advise the leadership, staff, and Medical Staff at Whittier Hospital Medical Center of barriers to care, treatment, and service
Provide suggestions and solutions to improve and humanize the care experience at Whittier Hospital Medical Center
Provide the perspective of patients and families to maximize excellence throughout Whittier Hospital Medical Center
Plan and enhance education and support services for patients and families

How to become a member of the PFAC

Requirements

Candidates need to have been former Whittier Hospital Medical Center patients or caregivers. Applicants can also be Whittier Hospital employees and former patients.
Attend meetings once per quarter
Sign a PFAC statement of confidentiality

Process

The membership process begins with an application to the PFAC New Council Member Recruitment Work Team
Prospective candidates will be interviewed by the Council members of the Recruitment Work Team

For more information, please contact Pam Ellen, Secretary of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at 562.907.1642