Pencer Brain Tumor Centre

Patient and Family Advisory Committee (PFAC)

PFAC’s Purpose
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Image: PFAC This could certainly be the credo of the Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre Patient & Family Advisory Committee (PFAC). This small committed group of volunteers meets once a month to provide advice and feedback to the staff of The Pencer Centre. They tell us what we are doing right, what we can do better and what we should think about adding to our list of programs.

Formed in the spring of 1998, months before The Gerry & Nancy Pencer Brain Tumor Centre even opened its doors, the Patient & Family Advisory Committee of The Pencer Centre has input into every aspect of The Centre. Because they are patients and caregivers they bring an expertise to the table that can’t be matched by any other member of The Pencer Centre Team. In the early days of planning The Centre, PFAC helped to evaluate complementary therapy programs, were instrumental in the development of our Patient Information Binder and suggested useful material for our Resource Centre.

Now that The Centre is open, no new program gets introduced into The Pencer Centre without getting the PFAC “Seal of Approval.” In addition, they also are involved in fundraising initiatives for The Centre (do you have a Pencer Centre hat yet?). Many of those who have visited us during our annual Open House can also attest to the fact that each year PFAC produces a wonderfully moving display, which focuses on the experience of being a patient living with a brain tumour.

View current PFAC projects | View past PFAC projects

How to get involved in the PFAC
There are not adequate words to say thank you to all of our PFAC members for their dedication and commitment to the Centre. Needless to say, The Centre would not be the place it is were in not for them.

Achieving a high level of patient satisfaction with the care they receive is an ongoing mission for Princess Margaret Hospital and The Pencer Centre in particular. The Patient & Family Advisory Committee of The Centre helps to guide the staff in addressing those things that matter most to patients.

The Patient & Family Advisory Committee is seeking individuals who would be interested in volunteering to serve on this very important committee. If you are interested or know someone who would be interested, please contact Maureen Daniels at 416-946-2240.

[back to top]