Highpoint Health Patient & Family Advisory Council Seeks Additional Members

Responsibilities may include serving on various hospital committees, as well as participating in a variety of initiatives.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Highpoint Health is committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of patients and their families. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by partnering with them to continually improve the quality and safety of care provided.

“The Patient & Family Advisory Council is made up of patients and their family members,” stated the group’s Co-Chairperson, Cliff Copeland, a retired social worker who lives in Greendale. “Their experiences at the hospital or a Highpoint Health physician practice makes them uniquely qualified to address specific patient needs and concerns. But more than that, we work with both the clinical team and hospital leadership to help find solutions and assist in guiding the hospital’s priorities and plans for the future.”

Responsibilities may include serving on various hospital committees, as well as participating in a variety of initiatives. For example, PFAC members participated in the hospital’s recent way-finding project and the Dearborn County community needs assessment. Most impressively, the PFAC completed a nine-month Patient and Family Engagement Fellowship, offered by the Healthcare Research & Educational Trust. As part of the fellowship, PFAC members peer rounded with recently readmitted patients to help uncover and resolve any continuing care obstacles that patients may face upon discharge.

“My work on the Highpoint Health PFAC committee has been very gratifying,” added Mr. Copeland. “The hospital’s administration truly values our input.”

PFAC members serve a two-year term. The group meets the last Tuesday of every month (except July and December), from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Highpoint Health. This time can be adjusted to accommodate the needs of those who may not be able to leave work during the day. Prospective PFAC members must complete an application, submit to a background check, complete a tuberculosis test, attend orientation and training, and complete any other necessary paperwork for hospital compliance.

If you would like more information about the Patient & Family Advisory Council, please call Rev. Debby Allen, Highpoint Health Chaplain and Patient Advocate, at 812/537-8259.