The PFAC continued its post-pandemic march forward in 2023. Monthly meetings are now routinely held using a hybrid model of in-person and virtual participation to facilitate broad engagement among all stakeholders.
The PFAC is a strong and effective voice for patients, families and the local community in all aspects of the hospital's operations.
Six Suburban PFAC members (three PFAs and three staff members) joined staff members and PFAs from across Johns Hopkins Medicine (JHM) to discuss implementation of virtual nursing in the Johns Hopkins Health System.
Recent topics discussed by the PFAC include visitation policies, the introduction of virtual nursing and patient access/appointment scheduling. Members share innovative practices and discuss common challenges.
Suburban Hospital once again joined other hospitals in the Johns Hopkins Health System to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in April and October.
The PFAC presented the PFAC Leadership Awards for 2023 to the Patient and Family Virtual Resource Center planning team; Diane Colgan, assistant vice president of medical affairs; and Jennifer Raynor, the d irector of pharmacy, and her pharmacy team.
In 2023, Suburban was the first hospital in Montgomery County, Maryland, to receive Magnet designation.
Unit Liaisons are PFAs who volunteer to work directly with one of the hospital's clinical units.
Suburban Hospital's Patient and Family Advisory Council was saddened by the deaths in 2023 of June Graff and Joel Hirschhorn, two long-standing PFAs.
