What is the Family Advisory Council?
The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo works to promote patient- and family-centered care by actively involving families in hospital programs and planning. Council members offer a unique perspective on care delivery, help identify areas for improvement and provide guidance on initiatives that support patients and families during hospital stays.
Our goals
Promote family-centered care
Partnership with families is the foundation of patient- and family-centered care. This approach recognizes that the family is central to a patient’s life, both inside and outside the hospital. Staff and families collaborate in an environment of respect, trust and support.
Support families
Hospitalization can be stressful and overwhelming. The FAC works on projects that bring a family perspective to hospital programs and services, helping families navigate care, resources and support systems.
Vision, mission and values
Vision
To be an integral component in the development of patient- and family-centered care, enhancing the quality of care through family involvement.
Mission
To improve patient and family experience, ensure access to available resources, foster collaboration with staff and drive quality of care through open communication. FAC provides a voice for patients and families and fosters meaningful engagement with the hospital and community.
Values
Promote better health care, greater patient and family satisfaction and stewardship of resources. We focus on dignity and respect, collaboration, information sharing, participation, choice, support, flexibility, empowerment and family strengths.
Why choose GCH Buffalo for family engagement?
-
Strong partnership between families and hospital staff to enhance care experiences
-
A voice in hospital planning
-
Voice for patients and families in planning hospital programs and services
-
Input on family-centered initiatives such as Comfort Bags, holiday activities and resource development
-
Access to workshops, events and educational programs for families
-
Transparent, collaborative communication with healthcare teams
-
Direct involvement in projects that positively impact hospital policies and patient care
What we do
Family-Centered Care Advocacy
Provide feedback on hospital policies, procedures and programs; participate in workshops, staff orientations and committee meetings; and ensure family perspectives are integrated into care planning.
Comfort and Support Programs
Sponsor Comfort Carts for all new inpatients; provide books, toys and developmental items for neonatal intensive care unit babies and pediatric patients; and organize seasonal celebrations and family activities.
Fundraising and Resource Development
Raise funds for patient and family programs; collect donations for Comfort Carts, developmental toys, teen items and practical support such as gift cards for meals, gas or parking; and partner with the community to maximize resources.
How to Participate
PFAC offers two levels of participation:
- Provide feedback through monthly email surveys
- Receive hospital updates via email
- Attend bi-monthly PFAC meetings
- Participate in initiatives such as tree lighting, holiday cookie drop-offs and parent resource hours
- Provide feedback through monthly email surveys
- Receive hospital updates via email
- Become a vetted volunteer of GCH Buffalo
The PFAC meets bi-monthly, six times per year, on the third Tuesday of the month from 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Where You Can Connect With Us
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, Patient and Family Advisory Council
818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Contact: Stephanie Fernandez-Baez (she/her), Hospital Programs Coordinator, Patient and Family Relations
- Phone: (716) 323-1510
- Email: SXFernandez-Baez@KaleidaHealth.org
Support Our Programs
The FAC raises funds to enhance patient and family programs, including Comfort Cart and developmental resources.
Donation Items
Crayons, coloring and activity books, stickers; small stuffed animals, toddler board books, small toys or craft kits; travel-size toiletries, notepads and journals, lip balm, socks; and gift cards for meals, gas or parking.
How to Donate
Call (716) 323-2420 or email krwilliams1@kaleidahealth.org to contribute to the Comfort Cart or other initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents or family members of current or former patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo within the past 2 years are eligible.
Provide feedback on hospital programs, attend bi-monthly meetings, participate in initiatives and help advocate for family-centered care.
Through E-Advisory or the Patient and Family Advisory Council. See the participation levels above for details.
Members shape hospital programs, provide a voice for family needs and improve the overall patient experience.