The family perspective is essential to our ability to deliver high-quality care to infants and their families in the intensive care nursery (ICN) of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. Our ICN Family Advisory Council (ICN FAC), made up of parents of former ICN patients, helps provide that critical support. The council works to improve patient care, develop educational materials, and evaluate ICN initiatives from a parent's point of view.

What we do

Think of these council members as consultants to the ICN, offering the family perspective to staff and leadership. The council advises ICN leaders and works directly with staff to enhance the hospital experience for patients and families.

Responsibilities include:

  • Providing input on care in the ICN
  • Educating care providers, including residents and nurses, on how family members experience their baby's hospitalization
  • Planning events and programs to support current and former ICN families

Examples of the ICN FAC's activities include:

  • Developing orientation and educational materials for parents
  • Creating inspirational videos to share patient stories, giving parents a glimpse of children like theirs experiencing a joyful future
  • Co-hosting annual ICN reunions

Joining the ICN FAC

The ICN FAC is seeking a diverse group of volunteers to join our efforts. We appreciate the energy and time it takes to volunteer, so we ask for a starting commitment of just one hour per month.

Meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month, from 6 to 8 p.m. Most are held via Zoom, with the option to attend quarterly in-person meetings at the UCSF Mission Bay campus. The ICN FAC meets nine times per year, with breaks in summer and winter.

All members are welcome to participate on various task force groups, parent panels and subcommittees.

Membership types

  • Full member (volunteering approximately three hours per month). Full members are asked to attend at least six of the nine meetings held each calendar year and to respond to emails between meetings in order to meet ICN FAC goals and deadlines. They may also hold office or leadership roles.
  • Digital consultant (volunteering at least one hour per month). Digital consultants provide most of their input electronically. These members should attend at least one meeting per year, but they may do this remotely.

If you have questions about the ICN FAC or would like more information, please send us an email at [email protected].