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Patient and Family Advisory Councils

Our mission is to be our patient’s trusted partner in all healthcare decisions. To do that, we need help – advice, recommendations and ongoing communication form you – the people we serve. That’s where Patient and Family Advisory councils come in.

What is a Patient and Family Advisory Council?

A Patient and Family Advisory Council gives patients and families a voice in the planning, delivery and evaluation of our departments and services. Each council partners directly with a specific service or department to provide oversight and guidance. Councils consist of eight to twelve volunteers who meet quarterly, usually in the afternoon or early evenings. 

Approximately 80 advisors are currently collaborating with our staff, clinicians and leaders to improve the patient experience at all Carle locations.

Carle Health System has Advisory Councils for the following areas:

  • Carle Cancer Center
  • Carle Health Pekin Hospital
  • Champaign-Urbana Primary Care
  • Digestive Health Institute
  • Mahomet Primary Care
  • Mattoon-Charleston Primary Care
  • Monticello Primary Care
  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

 

Responsibilities of Council Members Include:

  • Provide insight, advice, and actionable ideas on ways to improve the patient and family experience 
  • Providing feedback and guidance on current services and programs.
  • Channel information and concerns from those we serve to Carle Health leadership
  • Commit to serve 12-18 months, attending regular meetings in-person or virtual
  • Endorsing activities, materials and programs that support our patients.


Why Become a Council Member?

We need patients and family members to share their experiences so we can continue to improve everything we do. Our leadership, healthcare providers and staff value the council’s advice and use it to make real and lasting changes. 

Projects & Improvements that Patient and Family Advisory Councils have had a part in:

  • After Visit Summary Explanation and Process
  • Hospital “No Pass Zone”
  • Kiosk Check-In Enhancement Initiative
  • Medication Accuracy “Double-Check”
  • MyCarle Community Education Classes
  • Wayfinding Solutions including the new smartphone app

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the primary goal of the Advisory Councils?
A: To partner with patients and their family members to get real feedback and improve the quality of care we deliver. We want constructive input only patients and family members can provide to help with decision-making and improvement efforts.

Q: What are the qualities you seek in your council members?
A: We are seeking people who are comfortable sharing their experiences with our health system in an honest manner while working with people from different backgrounds, and respecting other members that may not share the same point of view. We seek diverse membership on our councils to represent all our patients.

Q: What is the time commitment for joining a council?
A: Patient and family advisors are expected to attend quarterly meetings in-person or virtually. There may be additional opportunities to participate in surveys, phone conversations and brief meetings to provide feedback and input.

Q: Who can become a member of an Advisory Council?
A: Advisors are selected to represent the ages, backgrounds, and experiences of the communities we serve. We encourage all our patients to apply, especially those who have seen and experienced a wide range of hospital and clinic services. 

Q: Where do meetings take place?
A: Meeting location will vary depending on the council. All councils determine their own meeting times and dates.

How To Apply

Please contact us at 217-383-4903 or email carle.experience@carle.com