Patient and Family Advisory Council at Saint Anne's Hospital

Join Us: You Have a Voice

Did your recent experience with Saint Anne’s Hospital leave you with ideas on how we can improve? Do you have suggestions to help ensure future patients and families receive the highest quality care? If so, consider volunteering for the Patient and Family Advisory Council at Saint Anne's Hospital (PFAC).

PFAC brings together patients and family members from our community to partner with our healthcare team on enhancing the patient's experience. Council members offer thoughtful insight, constructive feedback, and real-world perspectives that help us better understand community needs and shape services that support patients and their loved ones. 

What Is a Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC)?

Patient Family Advisory Councils have been required of all Massachusetts hospitals by the Department of Public Health since October 1, 2010. These councils are based on the core concepts of dignity and respect, information sharing, participation, and collaboration so that patients, families and providers can develop mutually beneficial partnerships. Patient and family members may advise the hospital on issues such as patient and provider relationships, quality improvement, and patient education on safety and quality.

Who Participates in a PFAC?

The PFAC at Saint Anne’s Hospital consists of representatives from the hospital, current or former patients or family members, and other community members. Together, they facilitate patient and family participation in hospital care improvement, information sharing, and policy and program development.

What Are the Benefits of a PFAC to Patients, Families, and Hospitals?

Volunteering with the Patient and Family Advisory Council offers community members meaningful benefits, including:

• A deeper understanding of the healthcare system.
• An opportunity to advocate for themselves, their families, and the community.
• A role in shaping a hospital culture that prioritizes patient- and family-centered care.
• Involvement with helping to improve patient satisfaction.

What Do Patient and Family Advisors Do?

Patient and family advisors:

• Share their experiences.
• Talk openly about their healthcare journeys, offering insight into what worked well and where improvements are needed.
• Participate in discussion groups.
• Help providers understand the patient perspective by describing what it feels like to receive care and suggesting ways to enhance the experience.
• Review or help create educational materials.
• Ensure that patient-facing information is clear, accessible, and useful for individuals and families.
• Contribute to short-term projects.
• Collaborate with our teams on renovations, service improvements, and program expansions.
• Serve on the Patient and Family Advisory Council.

Council members—patients, family representatives, and hospital staff—work together to discuss and plan changes that strengthen quality and safety. They share both positive and challenging experiences, reflect on what went well, and offer ideas for doing things differently, always thinking beyond their own personal stories to support the broader patient community.

How Can Someone Become a Saint Anne’s Hospital PFAC Member?

The council welcomes current or former Saint Anne’s Hospital patients or family members of a current or former patient. There are no special qualifications to join; we welcome all new members. Saint Anne’s Hospital’s PFAC meets monthly to provide updates and discuss issues of importance to patients and their families to hospital leadership.

To learn more about become a PFAC member, contact Patricia McLaughlin, MS CCC, at 508-674-5600, ext. 2123, or at [email protected].