Patient & Family Advisory Commitee

Patient and Family Advisors (PFAs) play a role in helping hospitals become patient- and family-centred in the delivery of their services. PFAs are a diverse group of people who enjoy working with others and contributing ideas, while being able to hear and balance different perspectives with compassion and respect.

PFAs can be patients, residents, clients; families of patients, residents or clients, volunteers, caregivers, or individuals who would like to see positive change in the care and services NSHN offers to our communities.

To be a successful PFA on our Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC):

1. BE EMPATHETIC
   You have an interest in and show concern for improving the healthcare experience for all patients, residents, clients and their families, beyond your own experience.

2. BE ABLE TO ATTEND AND PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGS
   You are required to read provided materials and prepare for Committee meetings, which occur every other month, October through to June.

3. SHARE YOUR INSIGHTS
   You have a positive approach and are interested in sharing information about your experiences in ways that will benefit others, while listening to and respecting different points of view.

4. COLLABORATE
   You are able to communicate and collaborate with individuals whose backgrounds, experiences, and lifestyles may be different from your own.

At NSHN, active members of our Patient & Family Advisory Committee:

• Serve as a communication channel and act with the overall goal of improving relationships between patients, clients, families and NSHN.

• Establish a link between NSHN and the communities we serve.

• Contribute ideas and suggestions that will enhance patient, resident, client and public involvement in health service planning and decision-making, so that the communities we serve have a voice in the delivery of health care services.

• Provide constructive input into care programs, services and organizational processes, and advocate for the needs of patients, residents, clients and families from a broad perspective.

• Tell their personal stories and share their points of view, but are also able to listen objectively to and appreciate the views and experiences of others.

PFAs are expected to be:

1. Respectful of others.

2. Comfortable speaking in a group and interacting with others.

3. Able to use their personal experiences constructively.

As a PFA you get the unique experience and opportunity at PFAC meetings to share experiences and interact with key members of the NSHN Team. You may be involved in discussions and decisions on topics including, but not limited to:

• Infection Prevention and Control guidelines

• Visitation protocols

• Palliative Care and end-of-life care and services

• Caregiver ID program