UConn John Dempsey Hospital has a Patient, Family, Community Advisory Council (PFAC) that includes patients, family members, staff, and leadership who partner in an ongoing effort to improve care experiences collaboratively. As UConn Health continues to evolve, so does our PFAC program.

Our Mission

The PFAC partners with patients, their support networks and Hospital Staff to:

• Build respectful relationships between patients, their support network, and caregivers.
• Improve understanding and cooperation between the hospital and the people it serves.
• Support patient- and support network-centered care.
• Enhance safety, quality, and health outcomes.
• Connect the hospital to the larger community.

Why We Need You

Healthcare has not always included everyone. We know that. We remain a work in progress and are working to do better. We need voices like yours—voices from different places, backgrounds, and experiences. Whether you’ve had good experiences or bad ones with our care, your story can help us grow.

This is your invitation to apply to be an advisor. Together, we can make care better for everyone.

How Can You Serve?

As a PFAC Advisor, you will:

• Learn about patient and support network-centered care.
• Commit to a three year term (with an option to serve longer).
• Join scheduled meetings and actively participate during those meetings, and additional volunteer opportunities.
• Share your experiences and ideas to improve care, quality, and safety.
• Work in subcommittees and groups when needed.

All PFAC Members must undergo the necessary Volunteer requirements, including but not limited to:

• Interview
• Background Check
• Proof of Immunizations
• Health Clearance
• Orientation

The council is not a place where an individual council member brings their personal concerns to be dealt with and solved. Personal experiences should be used as examples when discussing a program or service, however this is not an avenue for solution. Council members should also bring experiences and perceptions of other individuals to the discussion. The Council will utilize all available UConn Health sources of feedback provided by patients and their networks through established avenues of communication.

We are currently revising our application process. Check back for further information or email pfac@uchc.edu for more information.