The Family Advisory Council is an example of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital commitment to the philosophy of Family Centered / Relationship Based Care.

Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital recognizes that the stress of having a child hospitalized impacts the entire family.  Our commitment to Family Centered / Relationship Based Care:
•    Provides support and medical care in ways that respect each family’s strengths, priorities, and choices.
•    Encourages family members to be active participants in the care of their child.
•    Fosters meaningful partnerships between families and health care providers, built on trust, open communication, and teamwork.
•    Creates positive hospital experiences for all families.

FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL  
The Family Advisory Council (FAC) at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital was formed in 1991, well before the concept of Family Centered / Relationship Based Care was embraced by the health care system at large.  With the inception of our FAC, a mutually beneficial relationship was formed between the families who use Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and its Administration.  

WHO ARE WE?
The FAC is an enthusiastic and dedicated group of parents, adult family members, clinicians and Hospital Administrators.  We strive to be as diverse a group, as the population which Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital serves.

WHAT DO WE DO?
Our goal is to positively affect operations and policies in order to enhance the hospital experience for all families who have chosen Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital for their child’s care.

HOW DO WE DO THIS?
•    We share our experiences (and yours!), ideas, and concerns as parents, and family members, with Hospital Administration.  We reinforce what Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital does well, and we make them aware of areas where improvements could be made.
•    We provide Outreach to the Nursing Units, offering parent-to parent support during a hospital stay.
•    We sponsor in-hospital social gatherings for parents and family members whose children are hospitalized either frequently, or for extensive periods of time.
•    We sponsor the “Family Faculty” (our speakers group), and present the experiences of our FAC parents and family members to physicians, nurses, therapists, and support staff for educational and retraining purposes.
•    We represent the families of Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital on a wide variety of hospital committees, and at all levels of Administration.
•    We promote a positive relationship between Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and the community which it serves.

MONTHLY MEETINGS
We meet on the first Monday of each month from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.   Dinner is provided and parking is complimentary.  Committee projects may require additional hours and meetings.

FAC BELIEVES . . .
•    Communication and teamwork are critical.
•    No one knows your child better than you do.
•    You are your child’s best advocate.
•    You are a crucial part of your child’s health care team.
•    Your opinions are important and valuable.
•    As a hospital-experienced parent, you have first-hand information and perspectives that can benefit other families.
•    You have a real opportunity to contribute to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital by becoming a FAC member.

YOU ARE INVITED!