St. Elizabeth Hospital still has several openings for past patients and their family members interested in serving on the St. Elizabeth Patient Family Advisory Council. Council members work alongside St. Elizabeth Hospital and Franciscan Medical Group clinic staff members at all levels to help identify issues and find solutions that directly improve the patient experience. Members share their own experiences and provide feedback on a variety of system-wide and regional process improvements.
“The Councils provide an ongoing and fresh perspective of what it’s like to be a patient in our care,” explains Laurie Brown, RN, chief nursing officer. “Looking at the care we provide – through our patients’ eyes – helps us see our processes and behaviors in a new light, and fosters creative solutions that may not have occurred to us without their help.”
The volunteer Council meets once a month over dinner, November through June. St. Elizabeth is looking for members of the community who have used Franciscan services in Enumclaw within the past three years as an inpatient, outpatient or family member. Outpatients are defined as anyone who has used a Franciscan Medical Group clinic, same day surgery services, outpatient radiology or other service. Nominees must be willing to collaborate in a team setting and offer constructive advice, attend one evening dinner meeting a month through June, and be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement. Adults of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Community member Shelley Hall says about serving on the St. Elizabeth Council, “It’s great to be part of this collaborative effort and to see the commitment at the table. We’re improving communication for all involved—patients, doctors, family members and the community.”
To learn more about the work of the St. Elizabeth Patient Family Advisory Council or to obtain a nomination form, call 1-888-825-3227 or visit www.FHShealth.org/Councils.
