Do you know a former patient – or family member of one – who has opinions that would be valuable to operations at Providence Medical Group, Providence Centralia or St. Peter hospitals?
Providence is recruiting new members for its Patient Advisory Council (PAC). Formed two years ago, PAC allows patients and families to directly impact and influence the policies and practices affecting the care and services they receive.
“The Patient Advisory Council provides an invaluable perspective,” said Providence Southwest Washington CEO Medrice Coluccio. “Our mission is all about serving patients and families. With PAC members serving on committees, the eyes of the patient are always with us.”
Many of the original PAC members have re-committed to another two-year service. New members are needed to bring in representation of patients who receive care from Providence Medical Group, as well as expand representation in the different communities Providence serves.
The PAC meets each month and as a collective group is used as a quasi-focus group, offering opinions on things such as potential menu changes, educational brochures for patients, and more.
“The directors of nursing came in and asked what behaviors best represent ‘Your Needs Being Met,’” said VP of Quality Jill Cooper. “They also help review education materials and learn about different programs being offered at our ministries.”
Individually, members of the PAC serve on Quality teams such as:
- Quality Oversight Committee in Centralia and Olympia
- Fall Team at St. Peter Hospital
- Skin Team at Centralia
- Med Staff Committee at St Peter’s
- Regional Palliative Care Team
- Regional Readmission Prevention Committee
“Their purpose is to keep us focused on the patient and improve our quality of care,” said Cooper. “And they are also ambassadors for our ministries in the community. Their friends share both positive and negative experience and they are able to forward them.”
How can I join?
If you know a community member who may be interested in joining the PAC, contact Cooper at 360-493-4983 or jill.cooper@providence.org by Sept. 15.
