Partnering with Community on Patient Care and Experience

Reading Hospital is recruiting dedicated individuals to join its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The volunteer group will begin meeting in September 2025 and will allow community members to have a voice in local healthcare.

"Your insights and experiences can make a real difference in shaping healthcare policies and practices at our hospital," said Vaneeza Santiago, MSN, CRNP, NP-C, System Director of Patient Experience at Tower Health. "Listening to the voices of patients and families is essential to creating a truly compassionate and inclusive healthcare environment."

Make a Difference

The Reading Hospital PFAC represents a powerful opportunity to build lasting partnerships that enhance care, quality, safety, and experience for everyone who walks through the hospital's doors. Participants will be able to:

• Make a difference: Help hospital staff understand and address the needs of patients and families
• Shape healthcare: Share your voice, which is crucial to the quality and safety of our hospital
• Gain valuable insights: Learn about how healthcare works
• Connect with others: Network with other patients, families and staff who are passionate about patient-centered care

"Our mission at Reading Hospital is to foster belonging and deliver high-quality, compassionate care," said Dr. Charles F. Barbera, president and CEO of Reading Hospital. "Together, we can use your experiences and feedback to help shape the future of patient experience and care delivery."

Now Accepting Applications

Those interested in joining the Reading Hospital PFAC must complete a brief online application by Friday, August 1.

Ideal PFAC participants are individuals who have received care, or family members and caregivers of individuals who have received care, at Reading Hospital or an outpatient location within the past three years. In addition, applicants should be:

• Age 18 and older
• Committed to compassionate care and patient experience
• Respectful of diverse perspectives
• Open to collaboration
• Be forward-thinking to build a stronger future for all patients and families
• Available for monthly in-person or virtual meetings

Selected applicants will be contacted for follow-up interviews by mid-August, and the final participants will receive orientation and support to participate meaningfully in the council's work. The first meeting is scheduled for September 2025.

"We invite our patients and their families to join us in this important work," Santiago said. "If you've ever wanted your voice to be part of the healthcare conversation, this is your chance to make a lasting impact."

More Information

To learn more or apply to join the Patient and Family Advisory Council, visit https://www.towerhealth.org/pfac. For questions or to further discuss how you can partner with Reading Hospital on patient care initiatives, email [email protected]

About Reading Hospital

Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized,acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across serviceslines. It islisted as one of America's 50 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.