Sonora, CA…Sonora Regional Medical Center has several new initiatives under way, thanks to a new advisory panel which was assembled in 2016. The Patient and Family Advisory Council is made up of 10 community members who have experienced the Medical Center’s hospital, clinics, or other facilities first hand within the last year. They meet quarterly with Medical Center representatives to discuss what is going well and not so well at the Medical Center and then break into work groups to address possible improvements.

“The patient and family member advisors have provided valuable feedback from their unique perspectives which has led to several new initiatives aimed at improving the patient and family experience with Sonora Regional Medical Center,” explains Teddy Griffin, manager of strategy who helps oversee the council. Those initiatives include increasing autonomy for inpatients by allowing broader menu selections for their meals; improving communication between doctors and patients; creating a safety net for those with mental illness, physical disabilities, or other special needs; and providing alternatives to blood transfusions.

“Sonora Regional Medical Center strives to meet the needs of every patient. Having input directly from patients and their family members gives us the opportunity to understand unmet needs and improve the overall experience for everyone who comes through our doors,” says Michelle Fuentes, vice president of operations.

The Patient and Family Advisory Council will meet again in March to discuss progress on their current initiatives and any new matters to address. For more information, please visit www.SonoraMedicalCenter.org/patientadvisory.