Once a month, current and former patients, family members and caregivers get together with Roswell Park staff to suggest ways of improving programs, services and policies that have a major impact on virtually everyone who walks through our doors. As members of the Patient & Family Advisory Council, these volunteer advocates have made major contributions to the Institute by:
- Offering ideas for making the Patient Portal more user-friendly
- Influencing the design of patient spaces, including the Scott Bieler Clinical Sciences Center and the Katherine, Anne & Donna Gioia Pediatric Hematology Oncology Center on the first floor of the hospital
- Finding ways to improve patient safety
- Improving patient itineraries
- Providing feedback about patient education materials
We need your voice, too! The Office of the Patient & Family Experience is searching for new candidates to take part in the next term of the Patient & Family Advisory Council, which begins in January.
What's involved? Richard Satterwhite, Patient Engagement Specialist and moderator of the council, says the group discusses programs, services, policies and facilities. “The patient perspective is invaluable,” he says. “We want to make sure the council represents the diversity of our patient population.” That means including members of different races and ages: “We want to hear the voices of younger patients as well.
“It’s very important for patients to take the reins in their health care, and this is an opportunity for you to get involved in the organization that manages your care,” adds Satterwhite, a prostate cancer survivor. “Your voice is very important, and you shouldn’t be afraid to let it be heard.”
Members may serve a maximum of two years. If you think you might like to serve on the council, please consider applying soon, as the new board will meet for the first time in January. Click here to learn more and find a link to an application form.