What is the Pediatric Parent Advisory Board of Georgetown University Hospital?
Georgetown University Hospital's Pediatric Parent Advisory Board (PAB) was established in August 2002 to provide family/professional collaboration and community support on issues of concern to hospitalized children and their families. PAB members represent a cross-section of parents of formerly and currently hospitalized pediatric patients as well as leading pediatric GUH physicians, nurses and staff.
What is our Mission?
The group's mission is to provide family-centered care by ensuring patient and family cooperation on policy and program development, including, in the area of family support, staff education, community outreach, quality improvements and future planning.
In particular, the PAB works on:
- Policy development and improvement such as in the area of long-term hospitalizations, wireless access and technology use, billing, admitting, registration, and building renovation, among others.
- Patient and family support through parent and family social hours and pot luck events, peer-to-peer counseling, enhanced child life and volunteer programs, assistance in the development of outside parent support groups, and a planned parent mentor program.
- Staff education through small-group workshops as well as a program of parent and patient testimonials.
- Community involvement by developing and maintaining long-term relationships with the local community (vendors, schools, churches, among others) to raise awareness and support for PAB initiatives.
- Informational and educational materials by providing parent and patient input and perspectives on GUH materials designed for patients and their families.
Who are The Friends of Georgetown's Hospitalized Children (FGHC)?
The PAB operates The Friends of Georgetown's Hospitalized Children (FGHC). The FGHC is made up of local, community-based organizations and individuals that partner with PAB and contribute to key programs that enhance the hospitalized children and family's experience.
PAB is grateful for the wonderful support and collaboration it receives from all of our friends and supporters to realize regular Family Hours, Volunteer Entertainment and Community Drives, among others. Contributions are tax-deductible.
How Can You Help?
Join The Friends of Georgetown's Hospitalized Children (FGHC) today and:
- Make a tax-deductible gift of any size this year and every year
- Donate or sponsor a "Family Hour", a "Bagel Morning", or an evening of food and community on our pediatric floor
- Volunteer and receive training to entertain, explore arts and crafts, read to or play with our children
- Donate gently-used or new infant and children's clothes
- Donate to support child life resources for art, play and learning
How to Contact PAB?
To sponsor or contribute to a "Family Hour", a "Bagel Morning" or an evening of food and community on our pediatric floor, please contact Rachael Groves at rachael@unitedtitleservice.com or Terri Tomoff at territomoff@yahoo.com.
For general or membership inquiries, to work on community drives and community partnership projects, to volunteer or to make a tax-deductible donation please email us at GUHPAB@gmail.com.
Schedule of Operation and Summertime Contact
The PAB meets monthly from September to June of each year. If you wish to contact PAB during the summer months of July and August, please email GUHPAB@gmail.com.
