Myrtle Beach, SC — Grand Strand Health continually develops programs that positively influence the patient care experience. As part of this commitment, the health system is excited to announce the addition of a new Patient and Family Advisory Council. The group will be comprised of Grand Strand Health leaders along with community members who will be patient and family advisors.
The hospital is currently recruiting advisors to serve on the council. Advisors are community members who have been treated at Grand Strand Medical Center as an inpatient or received outpatient care at a Grand Strand Health facility within the past two years. A patient and family advisor is someone who:
- Wants to help improve quality, safety and the healthcare experience
- Gives feedback based on their own experiences as a patient or family member
- Helps improve care for patients and families
- Volunteers their time one to two hours per month
- Keeps information you hear in the role private and confidential
“Patient and family advisors provide a voice that represents patients and their family members who entrust us with their care,” said Dr. George Helmrich, chief medical officer of Grand Strand Health. “Advisors will partner with our colleagues to give us feedback and ideas to help us achieve improved safety, higher quality, and an improved experience for patients and their loved ones. As an advisor, you can help make a difference.”
Being a patient and family advisor may be a good match with your skills and experiences if you can:
- Speak up and share suggestions and potential solutions to help improve care for others
- Talk about your experiences as a patient or as a family member – but also think beyond your own personal experiences
- Talk about both positive and negative care experiences and share your thoughts on what went well and how things could have been done differently
- Work with people who may be different than you
- Listen to and think about what others say, even when you disagree
- Bring a positive attitude to discussions
- Keep any information you may hear as an advisor private and confidential
No special qualifications are needed to participate. Your experience as a patient, family member, or significant other is what’s most important. Advisors share what it’s like to be a patient and help us find ways to improve the care we provide.
If you’re interested in learning more or applying, email or call Patient Relations at (843) 692-3990.