Community Members Invited to Join Patient and Family Engagement Council

HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland is accepting applications for their Patient and Family Engagement Council (PFEC). The Patient and Family Engagement Council’s mission is to provide a collaborative partnership for families and HSHS clinicians, administrators and colleagues to promote the delivery of patient- and family-centered health care. 

Council members will be selected to represent the many different types of patients and caregivers who use St. Joseph’s Hospital. Patients or family members of patients who use a wide range of hospital services are encouraged to apply. Adult family members, caregivers and those from a variety of cultures, races, religions and social backgrounds will be considered.

“We are looking to grow our council to assist us in gathering insight from community members and provide recommendations to hospital leaders on programs and projects related to the strategic goals of the organization,” shared Teresa Cornelius, chief nursing officer and interim president and CEO at St. Joseph’s Hospital. “With the support of our community members, we look forward to continuing to make improvements that positively impact our patient and family experience.”  

The PFEC meets bi-monthly (every other month), and council members are required to attend either in-person or via a conference call. Those interested are asked to commit to serving for at least one year. The council members work together on:

• Gathering feedback from community members to assist the hospital in improving systems, processes, safety and efficiency of care for patients and family members.
• Collaborating with hospital leaders as necessary to integrate suggested improvements into the planning and development process for new initiatives, programs and projects.
• Providing suggestions on ways to build positive relationships between the hospital and members of the community.
• Assisting in promoting health care services provided by the hospital to the community through networking and advocacy efforts.

To learn more or to request an application, contact Sheri Ernst, executive assistant, at 618-651-2530 or email Sheri.Ernst@hshs.org.