Being the voice for McLeod patients is at the heart of the McLeod Family Advisory Council.

The purpose of the Family Advisory Council is to assist in identifying the needs and priorities of families and patients, to enhance access of information, support and educational materials and to be a role model and resource for the community by advocating for family-centered care throughout the healthcare system, according to the Council's Bylaws.

More than ten families collectively serve on the McLeod Family Advisory Council. Each of these families represent Women's Services, NICU, or the Children's Hospital, having had a recent in-patient or outpatient experience in one of these areas.

In addition, the Director of McLeod Women's Services, Director of McLeod Children's Hospital and Director of the McLeod NICU also serve on the council providing communication between the Family Advisory Council and McLeod Health.

One of the first projects the McLeod Family Advisory Board accomplished was the development of the McLeod Women's Pavilion & McLeod Children's Hospital Family Handbook. This seven-fold handbook was designed with the family in mind, providing all the information they could need should they have a family member at McLeod.

The handbook includes important phone numbers for nurse's stations patient care supervisors and directors as well as visiting hours for all Women's Services and Children's Hospital Services.

The McLeod Family Advisory Council also played an integral part in coming up with an activity calendar for women in Pre-Term Labor and more recently put together a welcome kit including overnight toiletries and a disposable camera for families who will spend lengthy time periods in Pre-Term Labor, the NICU or Children's Hospital.

This group, having all had their own personal experiences with McLeod from a patient standpoint, offers vital information and feedback. They serve as a voice for the patients, helping McLeod deliver excellent patient-centered care.

For more information on becoming a member of the McLeod Family Advisory Council, please call (843) 777-8465.