Patient, Family, and Community Advisory Councils at BJC

Patient, Family, and Community Advisory Councils (PFCACs) are formal groups of patients and family member volunteers who meet with leaders within our system to provide input on policy, strategy, and program decisions. These councils bring the patient perspective directly into our decision-making processes.  

Advisory councils that provide the patient perspective are known by many names, including: Patient Advisory Councils (PACs), Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs), Patient, Family, and Community Advisory Councils (PFCACs), Patient- and Family- Centered Care Councils (PFCCCs), and other variations. While some variance in title may indicate subtle differences in the operations and purposes of these groups, they function in similar ways within our health system.  

  • BJC HealthCare PFCACs work in partnership with operational leaders and are dedicated to assuring the delivery of the highest standards of comprehensive and compassionate health care through partnership with patients, their families, and caregivers. 
  • Our PFCACs serve in an advisory role to BJC and WashU Medicine senior and clinical leadership teams, enabling a greater understanding of the health care experience from their perspectives and promoting a culture of patient- and family-centered care. Their work focuses on building trusting relationships within our communities and collaborating on activities that enhance human experience in health care and reduce health care disparities. 
     

Advisory Councils

Alton Memorial Hospital PFCAC
The Alton Memorial Hospital PFCAC collaborates with hospital teams to enhance communication tools, digital engagement, and emergency department experiences. Joining offers a direct way to improve how patients connect with their care.

Barnes-Jewish Hospital PFCAC
The Barnes-Jewish Hospital PFCAC serves as a vital partner in shaping the patient experience at one of the region’s leading academic hospitals. Advisors contribute firsthand perspectives on everything from sleep quality initiatives to new patient menu design and facility planning.

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital PFCAC
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital’s PFCAC will bring together patients, families, and community members to enhance care experiences and ensure that every voice helps shape compassionate, patient-centered services. Joining offers the chance to co-design programs that improve access, communication, and transitions of care at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and across BJC.

BJC Behavioral Health PFCAC
BJC Behavioral Health’s PFCAC empowers individuals with lived mental health and substance use experience to guide improvements in care, communication, and program design. This council plays a key role in shaping a system grounded in empathy, recovery, and respect.

Memorial Hospitals PFCAC
The Memorial Hospitals PFCAC connects patients and caregivers with hospital leaders to improve care delivery and communication. This group strengthens system collaboration and ensures community voices shape BJC’s regional patient experience efforts.

St. Louis Children's Hospital
Our mission is to create a safe and productive environment of partnership where family partners work directly with hospital partners to ensure that patient- and family-centered care is provided throughout St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The PFCAC is an inclusive group comprised of family members whose children have received services at the hospital, hospital staff, hospital senior leadership, and physician representatives.

Sickle Cell PFCAC
The Sickle Cell PFCAC unites patients, caregivers, clinicians, and community members to advance equitable, compassionate care for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease. Members help guide programs that improve access to care and empower families through advocacy and education.

Siteman Cancer Center PFCAC
Siteman’s PFCAC ensures that the voices of patients and families are central to the delivery of compassionate, world-class cancer care. Members help shape educational resources, care environments, and programs that honor dignity and inclusivity.

Spanish-Speaking PFCAC (New in 2025)
The Spanish-Speaking PFCAC ensures that the perspectives of Spanish speaking patients and families are represented in BJC’s planning, programs, and communications. Members help bridge language and cultural gaps to improve equitable access to care.

Women and Infants PFCAC
The Women and Infants PFCAC focuses on improving maternal and newborn experiences and outcomes across BJC. Members advocate for safe, inclusive, and family-centered care for all parents, particularly those from vulnerable populations.