Baystate Noble Hospital Seeks Community Members to Enhance Care

WESTFIELD — Baystate Noble Hospital is seeking members from the community to join its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The Baystate Noble PFAC, formed in 2009, is comprised of patients and family members of patients who have received care at Baystate Noble as either an inpatient or outpatient, along with members of the hospital care team.

Community PFAC members strengthen Baystate Noble’s decision-making ability concerning all aspects of patient care and satisfaction, including safety, quality improvement, program development, services, policies, and communications. This is achieved by drawing on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and expectations of individuals who look to Baystate Noble for care.

“The Baystate Noble PFAC has an impact on patient care by being the eyes and ears of the community and bringing those voices into our discussions,” said Dr. Britt Percy, hospitalist at Baystate Noble and co-chair of the PFAC. “This enhances our decision making about patient care and shows us where we need to improve.”

Cindy Drewski, co-chair of the PFAC, added that, “as we seek new community members, mirroring the diversity of our community is key in order to ensure we are listening to the diverse needs, perspectives, and expectations of the community Baystate Noble serves.”

Members must be over age 18, have been a patient or a loved one of a patient who was cared for at the hospital, and be willing to share their experiences in a collaborative, respectful manner. Council members can expect to attend monthly meetings with opportunities for involvement on committees, patient rounding, etc. They should be good listeners, open to new ideas and divergent thinking, and passionate about working together on a team to improve the delivery of healthcare.

If interested, and to learn more about this volunteer role, contact Michele LaPrade, volunteer coordinator, at (413) 571-0573 or michele.laprade@baystatehealth.org.