MT. VERNON, IL — SSM Health in Illinois has launched its first Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The council is made up of 10 – 15 patients who have had a recent experience, either inpatient or outpatient, at an SSM Health facility, and 3-4 SSM Health staff or providers. Patient members include Sharon Beasley, Carol and James Cange, Margaret Carr, Amanda Crider, Toni Davis, Tracie Donnelly, Debbie Stewart, Debra Weiss, Ronni Zawila, Constance Hess, Joan Beguelin, Mary Jane Corners, Leoeatha Harris, Lana Shaw and Majo Bates and SSM Health staff members Lisa Austin, Lisa DiMarco, and Dawn Kelly.
Patient and Family Advisory Council is a formal group that meets monthly for active collaboration between clinicians, hospital staff, and patients, family, and caregivers to gain a greater understanding of the hospital experience through the eyes of the patient and family members. The ultimate goal is to improve the patient experience, hospital quality, and patient safety. PFAC members provide recommendations and guidance that aim to build a successful partnership and strengthen the collaboration between the hospital and its patients and families.
Amanda Crider, PFAC member, shares her “why” for joining the council. “I had to take an early retirement from my 26-year career as a nurse with SSM Health. I like being part of PFAC so I can continue to be a small part of SSM Health and, also, to be able to give back to my local community by volunteering.”
“SSM Health St. Mary’s and Good Samaritan Hospitals hold a special place in my heart,” said PFAC member Dr. Sharon Beasley. “My first contact was in 1976 employed as a new RN graduate on the surgical unit. Since that time, I have been at the hospitals in various roles, including as a patient, employee, nursing supervisor, professor guiding students in clinical, and working with administration as the Rend Lake College Allied Health Division Chair and the McKendree University Nursing Division Chairperson. Over the years, I have met countless talented, dedicated staff and administrators and was blessed to care for hundreds of patients. Now that I am retired, I view PFAC as an opportunity to give back to these vital institutions. Since change is inevitable, all institutions examine methods to improve and stay current for the sake of all the stakeholders. PFAC provides an innovative opportunity to share input and assist growth of institutions.”
“The advisory council provides a format for honest feedback and dialogue; it will help us gain a better understanding of the patient experience,” said Lisa DiMarco, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer. “Being part of this council allows people a unique opportunity to be a part of the process in developing truly patient-centered care. The advisory council members are making a difference in the lives of future patients.”
Lisa Austin, Regional Advisor for Patient Experience and Customer Service, facilitates the meetings each month and notes that the group meets on a regular basis with workgroup sessions and goal setting. “The work of this committee is to improve health outcomes with an even stronger focus on what matters most to our patients,” Austin shared. “This group is looking forward to making a great impact in the community.”
For more information about the Patient and Family Advisory Council, please contact Lisa Austin at 618-899-1007.