Published: 4/4/2022 3:06:29 PM
GREENFIELD — Baystate Franklin Medical Center is looking for community members to join its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).
The council, which was formed in 2009, consists of patients and family members of patients who have received care at the local hospital, either as an inpatient or outpatient, according to a Baystate Franklin press release. Council members share their ideas and provide input about patient care and what needs to be improved.
“The PFAC has an impact on what happens at the hospital and how to improve things,” Charity Brown, a patient experience specialist at Baystate Franklin, said in the release. “It’s very patient-focused and friendly.”
Meetings are held quarterly, according to Baystate Franklin Volunteer Coordinator Becky George. The council’s mission is to work with care teams and participate in decision-making and policy issues to create a safe, dignified, respectful and transparent environment for patients.
Both Brown and George said the PFAC has an impact by representing patients and their families.
“We want our patients to be active participants in their care,” George said in the release.
To become a member, you must be over the age of 18, have been a patient and/or loved one of a patient who was cared for at the hospital, be willing to share your experiences and be skilled in working collaboratively. Council members should also be good listeners, open to new ideas and be passionate about working on a team to improve delivery of health care.
If you or someone you know wants to join the Baystate Franklin PFAC, contact Becky George at 413-773-2318 or [email protected], or Charity Brown at 413-571-0519 or [email protected].
