Community Invited to Learn About Patient & Family Advisory Council
May 19, 2026
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital is inviting patients, families and community members to take part in an upcoming informational meeting to learn more about its newly forming Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The event will take place on Thursday, June 4, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room at the hospital, with breakfast provided.
The Patient and Family Advisory Council is a new initiative designed to strengthen patient- and family-centered care by bringing together community members and hospital staff to share insight, feedback and ideas. The council will serve as an important partner in shaping hospital programs and future initiatives.
“This council is an opportunity for patients and families to have a direct voice in shaping the care experience,” said Serra Morton, Director of Nursing for St. Joseph’s Women and Infants Center. “By working together, we can continue to improve how we serve our community and continue to provide needed and accessible care.”
Patient- and family-centered care recognizes patients, families and caregivers as essential partners in the health care experience. Through the PFAC, members will collaborate with hospital teams to enhance communication, improve services and support meaningful decision-making that benefits both patients and providers.
Potential council members include individuals who have received care at St. Joseph’s, as well as family members of patients. Those with experience managing chronic medical conditions, frequent use of hospital services, or who have delivered a baby at St. Joseph’s Hospital are especially encouraged to attend and learn more.
Sarah Hemker, Manager of the Medical/Surgical Unit, added, “We hope to hear from patients or caregivers who received care from various departments. This ensures we are listening to voices and views from many different care journeys to inform our processes.”
Those interested in serving on the council are encouraged to attend the informational meeting and RSVP to Morton at [email protected].
The Patient and Family Advisory Council is a new initiative designed to strengthen patient- and family-centered care by bringing together community members and hospital staff to share insight, feedback and ideas. The council will serve as an important partner in shaping hospital programs and future initiatives.
“This council is an opportunity for patients and families to have a direct voice in shaping the care experience,” said Serra Morton, Director of Nursing for St. Joseph’s Women and Infants Center. “By working together, we can continue to improve how we serve our community and continue to provide needed and accessible care.”
Patient- and family-centered care recognizes patients, families and caregivers as essential partners in the health care experience. Through the PFAC, members will collaborate with hospital teams to enhance communication, improve services and support meaningful decision-making that benefits both patients and providers.
Potential council members include individuals who have received care at St. Joseph’s, as well as family members of patients. Those with experience managing chronic medical conditions, frequent use of hospital services, or who have delivered a baby at St. Joseph’s Hospital are especially encouraged to attend and learn more.
Sarah Hemker, Manager of the Medical/Surgical Unit, added, “We hope to hear from patients or caregivers who received care from various departments. This ensures we are listening to voices and views from many different care journeys to inform our processes.”
Those interested in serving on the council are encouraged to attend the informational meeting and RSVP to Morton at [email protected].
Media Contact
Micalli Muschinske
Communications & Public Relations Specialist