St. Mary’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a collaborative group of caregivers, parents, and patients who help shape the future of pediatric healthcare. PFAC members play a vital role in improving care quality, enhancing patient experiences, and advocating for children with medical complexity.
Member Responsibilities
PFAC members actively contribute to the development and ongoing success of the council by:
- Suggesting short- and long-term goals and activities
- Helping set meeting agendas
- Choosing meeting dates, times, and locations
- Reviewing and recommending agenda changes prior to meetings
Membership Eligibility
To become a Patient or Family Advisor, candidates must:
- Have at least 3 years of lived experience caring for a medically fragile child or young adult
- Have received services from St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children
- Be interested in connecting with other caregivers
- Be willing to collaborate with healthcare professionals
- Demonstrate empathy, passion, and respect for diverse perspectives
- Communicate effectively and offer constructive solutions
- Be open to learning and participating in training
- Commit time to attend most council meetings
- Advocate for all medically fragile children—not just their own
- Be motivated to create positive change in pediatric healthcare
Membership Recruitment
PFAC recruitment is led by staff representatives and includes:
- Engaging cross-system staff for candidate referrals
- Sharing brochures and information via mail, email, text, or in person
- Promoting PFAC opportunities during hospital visits and community outreach
- Advertising on the St. Mary’s website and in the Family Handbook
- Hosting informational sessions via phone, Zoom, or in-person meetings
Membership Screening Process
Prospective PFAC members must:
- Complete a PFAC application
- Participate in an interview with council co-chairs or staff representatives
- Commit to a two-year term
- Represent the diverse needs of families served by St. Mary’s
Orientation and Training
All new PFAC members receive a comprehensive orientation covering:
- St. Mary’s Mission, Vision, and Values
- Overview of organizational and PFAC structure
- Education on system-wide programs and services
- Role and impact of family advisors
- Confidentiality and privacy guidelines
- Tips for sharing lived experiences effectively
- Support resources from staff facilitators
- Review of past and current PFAC initiatives
- Brainstorming future goals and projects
What Is a Patient and Family Advisory Council?
A Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a group of volunteer caregivers and patients who collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve care delivery, advocate for families, and ensure that healthcare systems reflect the needs of the communities they serve.
Interested in Joining?
If you’re passionate about making a difference in pediatric healthcare, we’d love to hear from you!
Contact:
- Nancy Speller – NSpeller@stmaryskids.org
- Vera Carlo – VCarlo@stmaryskids.or