Patient Family Advisory Council

The Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) is working together to embed the patient voice and improve the patient experience.

The Walker Family Patient Family Advisory Council is designed to assist, facilitate, encourage, and collaborate in meeting the vision of the Walker Family Cancer Centre. Members include current and past patients, caregivers, and family members, WFCC staff, and appointed advisors. We are working together to provide the opportunity for the patient voice in planning, decision-making, and the growth of the Centre.

Our Foundation

Our work as advisors to the WFCC leadership team is based on eight themes: Communication, Support, Coordination of Care, Transitions/Continuity of Care, Roles and Relationships, Advocacy, Volunteers

What PFAC members do

Serve as an advisory resource
Promote improved relationships between patients, families, and staff
Provide a vehicle for communication between patients, families, and staff
Provide input into development of process and programming
Offer recommendations to the WFCC leadership team
Actively participate in the development of new facilities and programs
Channel information, patient needs, and concerns to staff
Help implement changes and collaborate with staff and other members

Expectations of members

PFAC members are expected to:

Listen well and respect others
Share insights about their experiences from which others can learn
See beyond their personal experiences
Show concern for more than one issue
Speak comfortably in a group
Interact well with different kinds of people
Attend monthly meetings, or as needed

Achievements

Development of a governing committee and working groups
Peer Support, specially trained volunteers with experience as a patient or caregiver that provide direct, custom support
Orientation, a detailed class outlining each step of the WFCC experience
Patient Education binder ongoing updates
Wheelchair pads exclusively used for improving comfort for cancer patients
Support for Arts in Medicine, offering creative experiences for patients and families

"Never doubt that one person can make a difference." -Ingrid Newkirk

Are you interested in improving the patient experience?

If you or a family member have received care at the Walker Family Cancer Centre, are 18 years of age or older, and have a willingness to work alongside others to enhance the future of cancer care at Niagara Health, we want to hear from you!

Your patient and family perspectives are valued and may help inform future planning at the WFCC