Celebrating the completion of its second year, the Penn State Children's Hospital Family Advisory Council (FAC) continues to improve the family experience in Children's Hospital and related outpatient clinics. Since September 2002, the FAC has focused on the spiritual and emotional needs of children and their families.
The FAC, established through the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Family Consultant Program and supported by the Department of Health and the Children's Miracle Network, is composed of 20 members, including family members and medical staff, who meet monthly to enhance how the hospital responds to the needs of patients and their families.
The council already has built an impressive list of accomplishments, including the creation of a part-time pediatric chaplain exclusively for Penn State Children's Hospital; a family prayer book available in Children's Hospital, so family members can add the name of their child without leaving their child's side; and informational handouts provided to families of admitted patients listing the medical center's support services along with a directory of local churches and service times.
"As a family member of FAC, having this opportunity to share concerns with the Children's Hospital staff and working together on solutions has allowed me to see how truly dedicated the hospital is to providing the best in family-centered care," said Eileen Austin, Lancaster, FAC secretary and parent. "Our children are in good hands."
The FAC continues to promote a family-centered approach to health care. The Family Faculty Program lecture series, a new series developed by the council, allows family members to share their child's hospitalization story while providing examples of what was done well and what could have been done better during their child's treatment.
"The group has helped us tremendously over the last two years with identifying key areas to focus our attention," said Craig Hillemeier, medical director and chair, Penn State Children's Hospital. "We couldn't be more grateful for their support and commitment on making Penn State Children's Hospital a better place for everyone."
Future plans of the FAC include educating families about the roles of staff members and providing beepers so family members can comfortably leave a child's bedside.
Parents and caregivers who are interested in joining the council may contact Patti Agosti, FAC chairperson, at (717) 531-7671.
Penn State Children's Hospital, the only children's hospital in central Pennsylvania and the region's only pediatric trauma center, houses 120 beds and admits more than 5,500 patients each year. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) received the highest rating for its care in medical, surgical and trauma patients by the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Evaluations. This ranks the PICU among the top in the country.