Patients and families help shape care through new advisory council at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital
Hudson, FL — HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital is proud to introduce its Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC), a new initiative designed to elevate the patient experience by bringing the voices of patients and families directly into the hospital’s decision-making process.
As part of our commitment to quality, safety and compliance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Patient Safety Structural Measures, the PFAC serves as a collaborative advisory group made up of former patients and family members. These advisors provide invaluable insight into their care experiences, helping hospital leaders identify strengths, uncover opportunities for improvement and shape the future of care delivery.
The council plays an active role across key hospital initiatives, including quality improvement, patient education, staff training and policy development — ensuring that care is designed not only for patients, but with patients.
HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital’s PFAC officially launched in March 2026, with early efforts already focused on enhancing discharge materials, improving welcome kits and redesigning in-room communication tools such as patient whiteboards — demonstrating how community input can directly impact the patient experience.
“By partnering with patients and families, we gain perspectives that help us see beyond clinical outcomes and truly understand the human experience of care,” said Dr. Neelam Patel, Chief Medical Officer at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. “This council is an important step in our journey to becoming the best hospital in the Tampa Bay area.”
The hospital is currently seeking community members who are passionate about improving healthcare to volunteer and serve as Patient and Family Advisors. Participants meet quarterly and have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how care is delivered for the entire community. Anyone interested should call 727-861-4468.