“The PFAC’s dedicated team of volunteers and professionals spent thousands of hours during the last year to make sure the patient and family voice was heard on every aspect of hospital operations. It is only through this partnership that we can ensure Suburban provides the best patient- and family-centered care…”

Many Patient and Family Advisors were involved in the planning and execution of Suburban’s new North Building, including providing input on storage space, electrical outlet placement and other fine points that ultimately made the rooms more comfortable.

In planning the North Building, Patient and Family Advisors and Suburban management realized that a Patient and Family Resource Center would be a wonderful resource for Suburban patients and their loved ones. This center could serve as a central location for patients and families to obtain information on wellness, various diseases, nutrition and other resources.

“Experience the Experience” is an immersive role-play activity for Suburban’s nurses and patient care technicians. This simulation activity provides staff with a better understanding and appreciation of how their communication style and nonverbal behaviors impact our patient’s perception of care—all in a safe, supportive and coaching environment.

Each year, Suburban’s PFAC presents the Patient- and Family-Centered Care Leadership Award to those within the hospital who best exemplify the tenets of patient- and family-centered care. This year, the PFAC chose two recipients: Margaret Fitzwilliam and Kris Hakanson.

The PFACs throughout the Johns Hopkins Health System participate in a consortium to share information on how to best represent the patient and family voice in their respective institutions. Suburban is privileged to have one of its Patient and Family Advisors serving as co-chair of this consortium.