The Fort Drum MEDDAC is looking to collect suggestions and concerns through a new Patient Family Advisory Council, which is set to hold its first meeting April 23.
The PFAC, a group composed of beneficiaries and staff, along with Col John Groves, deputy commander of nursing, will help the MEDDAC command group improve facilities, procedures and care.
Officials say the council is a chance for beneficiaries to meet with a member of the command group and staff with their ideas and suggestions on how to make their MEDDAC the best ever.
The goal of the council, according to Tracie Duckett-Stephens, MEDDAC patient advocate, is to take the feedback directly from patients and apply it to improving their experience.
"No one is better able to tell the story of their experience than our patients," Duckett-Stephens said. "Our beneficiaries see obstacles and challenges that we may not see from our side of the equation."
She went on to say that this idea is not new to U.S. Army Medical Command.
"There are other (military treatment facilities) that have this council stood up," Duckett-Stephens said. "The Fort Drum MEDDAC has even attempted something like this in a more informal way in the past. But recently the commander came to me and said he wanted an official council that includes a cross section of our TRICARE beneficiaries."
Officials say they are looking for Soldiers, Family Members and retirees who receive their care at Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic and Conner Troop Medical Center.
During council meetings, members will discuss concerns they have witnessed during their visits or have heard from others. Additionally, they will make suggestions on how these issues could be resolved and discuss ideas on how to make the patient experience more enjoyable.
Suggestions made during meetings will be heard directly by the deputy commander of nursing, who will co-chair the council along with a committee member who will be elected by the group.
"Our patients have a voice, and we welcome their feedback; it's a gift," said Col. Matt Mattner, Fort Drum MEDDAC commander. "We want to be our community's first choice for health care. Although we share the military culture and values of our patients, we have room to grow and improve the patient experience. The PFAC will help us improve our service to our community."
The Patient Family Advisory Council will meet monthly, with the first meeting scheduled to take place from 2 to 3 p.m. April 23 at Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic. If you are interested in joining the PFAC, contact Duckett-Stephens at 772-4655.
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