The Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is a committee of volunteer patients and family members known as Patient & Family Advisors, or PFAs. PFAs work with CMC staff, providing insight, opinions, and ideas to help CMC deliver a consistently exceptional patient experience and the highest level of clinical quality. Meet Patricia Young, one of our Patient & Family Advisors.
“Almost 10 years ago I was sitting in a hospital room in Boston where my husband had been sent for stroke care. We had been a healthy family of four who only saw primary care doctors for annual checkups. No one coming in or out ever addressed me unless I spoke first. I was intimidated and scared. The doctors and nurses seemed to have the power and the knowledge and I didn’t want to bother them. After discharge my husband and I experienced a year of rehabilitation at four different facilities. Rehab was filled with more experts. Life has never been the same.
For me, volunteering for the Patient and Family Advisory Council has opened up a whole new world. One where I can ask questions and make suggestions. One where I can regain my voice—not just for myself and my spouse but for all the patients that find health care intimidating.
We need the patient voice to be heard. It is just an hour week to make a difference. Please consider volunteering for the Patient and Family Advisory Council!”
If you are interested in serving on the Patient & Family Advisory Council, please contact the Office of Patient Experience at 603.663.6069, or email patientexperience@cmc-nh.org.