In January 2007, St. Vincent’s Medical Center created a Patient and Family Advisory Board (“PFAB”) to ensure that the medical care provided to patients is patient/family centered. The PFAB acts as an advisory committee to the Medical Center Board of Directors, Administration and staff.
Responsibilities of the PFAB include:
ensuring that care at St. Vincent’s Medical Center is patient/family centered;
bringing patient/family needs and concerns to the Medical Center’s staff and leadership;
ensuring that SVMC provides an environment that promotes trust, respect, equity and fairness;
improving patient and family satisfaction;
guiding the Medical Center’s priorities and planning; and
further building a positive relationship between St. Vincent’s Medical Center and the community.
90% of the board consists volunteers who have been patients at the Medical Center and/or are family members of patients, with the remaining 10% consisting of hospital staff members. The board meets monthly, and its members serve on various hospital committees and task forces. Suggestions and recommendations of the PFAB are routed directly to hospital administration. Through the PFAB, the Medical Center has given a meaningful voice to patients and families.
