Patient and Family Advisory Council

Your trusted partner in Health and Wellness, Summit Pacific is a vibrant and expanding public hospital district that operates a Critical Access Hospital with a Level IV trauma designation, three rural healthcare clinics, and a seven-day-a-week urgent care clinic. Our vision is “Through Summit Care, we will build the healthiest community in the Nation.”

About the role

The Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) Member serves as a volunteer advisor to Summit Pacific Medical Center by representing the perspectives of patients, families, caregivers, and the community. PFAC members partner with healthcare leaders and staff to strengthen patient- and family-centered care through collaboration, thoughtful feedback, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. PFAC members provide valuable insight that helps improve the patient experience, enhance quality and safety, and ensure healthcare services reflect the needs and expectations of the communities Summit Pacific Medical Center serves. As outlined in the PFAC Charter, the Council functions in an advisory capacity and provides recommendations to leadership but does not make operational or clinical decisions.

Mission

To strengthen the relationship between patients, families, and Summit Pacific Medical Center by ensuring the voices of those we serve are thoughtfully considered in the decision-making processes that affect care delivery, patient experience, and healthcare outcomes.

Vision

To enhance the patient experience for every patient receiving care at Summit Pacific Medical Center through meaningful partnerships between patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as ambassadors for patient- and family-centered care.
• Share experiences and perspectives in a respectful, constructive, and solution-focused manner.
• Represent the needs and viewpoints of patients, families, caregivers, and the community, not solely personal experiences.
• Provide feedback on:
  • Patient education materials
  • Policies and procedures
  • Communication practices
  • Facility design and environment
  • Patient experience initiatives
  • Quality and safety improvement efforts
• Participate in discussions regarding organizational initiatives that impact patient care and experience.
• Assist in identifying opportunities to improve healthcare delivery across Summit Pacific Medical Center.
• Review patient-facing materials to ensure they are understandable, inclusive, and patient-centered.
• Participate in special projects, focus groups, committees, or improvement teams as requested.
• Promote a culture of partnership, compassion, respect, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Be a current or former patient, family member, caregiver, or community member who has received services at Summit Pacific Medical Center within the last two years.
• Have an interest in improving healthcare and patient experience.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate respectfully and professionally.
• Be willing to consider diverse perspectives and collaborate with others.
• Maintain a positive, solution-oriented attitude.
• Respect differing opinions while contributing meaningful feedback.
• Be dependable and committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of Council membership.

Schedule

• Attend monthly meetings typically held on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the Rainer Conference Room at Summit Pacific Wellness Center.
• Attend at least 80% of scheduled meetings in a rolling 12 months; in-person attendance is required unless alternative arrangements are approved by the PFAC Chair due to unusual circumstances.
• Review meeting materials in advance when provided.
• Actively participate in discussion and decision support activities.

Member Expectations

• Complete all required onboarding requirements before participating as a Council member.
• Arrive prepared and actively engage in discussions.
• Communicate respectfully with fellow members and Summit Pacific caregivers.
• Focus discussions on organizational improvement rather than individual concerns.
• Support a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
• Notify the PFAC Chair if you are unable to attend a scheduled meeting.
• Maintain professionalism while representing Summit Pacific Medical Center and the PFAC.

Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality of all discussions and materials shared during PFAC meetings.
• Comply with all Summit Pacific Medical Center confidentiality policies and HIPAA requirements.
• Complete all required confidentiality and onboarding training prior to participation.
• Refrain from discussing confidential Council matters outside of PFAC meetings unless authorized.

Scope of the Council

• The PFAC serves in an advisory role.
• The Council provides recommendations and feedback to leadership but does not have decision-making authority.
• PFAC meetings are not intended for resolving personal grievances or complaints. Individual concerns regarding care should be addressed through Summit Pacific Medical Center's established Patient Experience or grievance processes.

Term of Service

• Members serve a two-year term.
• Terms may be renewed through mutual agreement between the member and the PFAC Chair.
• Members may resign by providing 30 days' written notice to the PFAC Chair.
• Summit Pacific Medical Center reserves the right to remove a member whose participation, attendance, or conduct no longer meets Council expectations or when deemed appropriate by the PFAC Chair.

Benefits

As a PFAC Member, you will have the opportunity to:

• Influence improvements in healthcare quality, safety, and patient experience.
• Partner directly with Summit Pacific Medical Center leadership.
• Help shape policies, programs, and patient-centered initiatives.
• Advocate for patients and families throughout the organization.
• Build relationships with healthcare professionals committed to continuous improvement.
• Make a meaningful and lasting impact on the care provided to your community.

Additional Benefits Offered By SPMC

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental (including Orthodontia)
• Vision
• Healthcare FSA and daycare FSA
• Daycare subsidized benefit
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Short- and long-term disability
• Generous employer 403b match contributions for retirement
• 457 retirement account for additional funds
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Smoking Cessation Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Employee Committees to participate in such as Spirit Team
• Beautiful on-site gym for employees
• Instructor led fitness classes for employees, including Yoga, Kettlebells and Bootcamps
• Walking trails on site

About the Location

Summit Pacific is a vibrant and expanding nonprofit public hospital district serving east Grays Harbor County, Washington. Far enough to have privacy and enjoy the small-town lifestyle, yet close enough to have the benefits of the city. There are many year-round recreational activities in and around Grays Harbor such as:

• Hiking/walking trails – whether you’re looking for short easy walking trails or long hikes you can find many trails located either on site or just miles from Summit Pacific. There are many great hiking trails about an hour away at the Quinault Rainforest which is also the home of some of the largest trees in the world!
• Kayaking – There are many areas that are easily accessible and have beautiful views.
• Nature viewing – Multiple whale watching towers and tours, state parks, Olympic Game Farm (where you can feed the animals straight from your car).
• Fishing & Hunting – If you’re looking for areas to hunt/fish or looking for guided tours this is a great area! Westport is just 42 miles away with many opportunities to catch or buy fresh fish off the docks!
• Other activities – Multiple museums, winery, arcades, rentable mopeds, Seabrook (vacation beach town), many areas to surf for experienced surfers and surfing lessons for those who want to learn.
• Nearby colleges – Grays Harbor College is a community college located in Aberdeen with other community colleges located in surrounding areas, as well as some state colleges and universities in other areas of WA state.