The many roles of families in "family-centered care"--part IV.

A parent whose premature twins were cared for at Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota describes giving back to the hospital as a member of the Hospital's Family Advisory Council. Members of the Council play a range of roles in the hospital. Family Advisory Council members assist the administration in developing, implementing and evaluating the services and the facilities of the hospital system and have input into hospital policies and initiatives. Members also educate hospital leadership, staff, managers, students, and new employees through orientations and in-service training addressing the needs of families and how care can be improved. Family Advisory Council members interact with other patients and families by fielding concerns and suggestions. Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota have a strong commitment to involving family members as advisors in every aspect of health care and on every level of the hospital system that impacts children and their families.