Patients and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)

South Huron Hospital Association (SHHA) has embraced the need for a patient and family centred approach to health care and has prioritized the development of support systems that will allow us to enhance the delivery of health care services around the needs of our patients and their families.

SHHA demonstrates a commitment to enhance our patient-centred approach to the way we deliver care by recognizing patients as experts in their own care needs. SHHA’s Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is the cornerstone of community engagement and SHHA’s patient-centred strategy. The Patient Family Advisors represent the voice of the patient and families. Their experience, insights, expertise and perspectives are invaluable to improving care.

The purpose of SHHA’s Patient and Family Advisory Council is to serve in an advisory capacity and make recommendations on matters that impact the patient and family experience at SHHA. The Council acts in an advisory capacity to ensure the patient and family voice is integrated in the planning, delivery and evaluation of services at SHHA. They assist the Board in providing exceptional care to the people of our communities. Patients will become more involved in the hospital’s care, safety and service-improvement initiatives. The Council will ensure that the perspective of patients and their families is always incorporated into organizational activities and decision-making.

What is the role of a Patient and Family Advisor?

Patient and family advisors are individuals who have received care or are the family members/loved ones of patients who have received care at SHHA in the last two years.

Patient and family engagement takes away the need for staff to make assumptions about what patients value and how they and their families can contribute. In turn, this leads to improvements in the overall patient experience.

What is a Patient and Family Advisory Council?

The Patient Family Advisory Council is an opportunity for patients and families to participate as partners in care and shape the patient experience at SHHA. They partner with SHHA’s staff and physicians to provide direct input into policies, programs and practices which affect the patient experience. It is only when we see healthcare through the eyes of patients and their families that we can improve their experience.

Patient and Family Advisors share their unique experiences, tell their stories and use their informed perspectives to advise on initiatives and decisions throughout the hospital. This ultimately impacts the delivery of health care and the quality of the experience for the next patient or family member.

Patient and Family Advisors might sit on the quarterly council and/or be involved in any number of diverse activities across the organization.

How do you become a member of Patient and Family Advisor at South Huron Hospital Association?

Patient and Family Advisors should:

• Be able to objectively share your insights and experiences.
• Be positive and supportive of South Huron Hospital’s Vision, Mission and Values.
• Be able to listen to and appreciate the views of others in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Be open to seeing beyond your own personal experiences.
• Have the time to prepare for and attend quarterly meetings of SHHA and ad-hoc meetings as required. The expected term for a Patient or Family Advisor is 1 year.

How can I share my voice with SHHA and my community?

Our hospital is currently accepting applications from patients and family members that are interested in joining the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC).

Application Form

Terms of Reference

Following acceptance of your application, you will be contacted to participate in an interview.

Thank you for your interest in South Huron Hospital Association’s Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Additional questions or comments can be directed to:

 
The Executive Assistant
shha.administration@shha.on.ca
519-235-5151