Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Community Healthcare - (Page 8)

Powered by AngelA Moore by Patients Online Advisory councils serve as vehicle for collaboration W hen Dianna Fritz of Whiting visited the administrative offices at St. Catherine Hospital last year, it wasn't just to say hello. After a hospital stay for hip replacement surgery, she wanted to share her ideas about how she thought her care experience could have been improved, but wasn't sure anyone would listen. Not only was St. Catherine Hospital's administrative staff open to what Fritz had to say, they invited her to become a member of the hospital's patient and family advisory council-a group that discusses ideas and provides insight into changes that can improve service to patients and families. Open ears "I love this hospital, the staff and physicians, and I realize they are there for me," Fritz says. "They wanted to hear what I had to say and now I know the administrators by name." St. Catherine's patient and family advisory council, the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana, was established in January 2013 and has been meeting regularly to promote communication about patient and family experiences and to make improvements when necessary. Continued on Page 49 Are You a Former Patient? We Want to Hear From You! We value the input of all patients. Visit www.comhs.org/contact_us.asp to learn how to get in touch and provide us with your feedback. Responsibilities of the Patient and Family Advisory Council * encourages greater understanding of the healthcare experience through the eyes of the patient and family * actively participates in establishing a strong partnership between hospital staff, patients and families * Honestly shares perceptions and expectations concerning healthcare * evaluates practices, programs and services and provides recommendations that respond to the unique needs of the patient and family * Channels needs, concerns and recommendations to the hospital leadership team for review and direction * Contributes to the education of present and future healthcare providers * provides a vital link between the hospital and St. Catherine Hospital's patient and family advisory council includes former patients and their families, (back, left to right): Cheryl Mikuly, annie Broaders, Martin Fisher, Larry McClelland, dianna Fritz; (front seated, left to right) Rose Matalik, Sylvia McClelland, Paula Swenson and Barb Foust, Rn. 8 WINTE R 2 013 the community * actively helps implement changes http://www.comhs.org/contact_us.asp

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Community Healthcare

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Community Healthcare
Contents
Community Message
Community Briefs
Timely Answers, Quality Treatment
Breathing for Bonnie
Powered by Patients
Got Excuses?
Managing Your Health with a DIY Tool Kit
Is It the Stress Talking?
The Wonderful World of Greens
Knee-to-Know Basics
On the Cover
Run for Your Life
14 Good-for-You Gifts
Special Delivery
Virtual Health
SPOTLIGHT ON: Community Hospital
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Catherine Hospital
SPOTLIGHT ON: St. Mary Medical Center
Getting Babies ‘Back’ to Sleep

Vim & Vigor - Winter 2013 - Community Healthcare