Always looking for ways to improve the patient experience, Akron Children’s Parent Advisory Council worked with hospital administration and WRTA to build a bus shelter in front of the Beeghly campus. Christa Coleman-Ng (center) joins hospital administration employees Maurie Testa and Thomas Berry in checking out the newly constructed shelter.
Boardman Township’s first transit bus shelter was built in front of Akron Children’s Beeghly campus on Market Street thanks to efforts spearheaded by the Parent Advisory Council (PAC).
“We’re always looking for ways to make the hospital better for the community, and adding a bus shelter was a need we initially identified about 2 years ago after seeing patient families waiting for buses in inclement weather,” said Christa Coleman-Ng, a member of the Mahoning Valley PAC.
The group secured the necessary Boardman Township approvals and even got the structure completed and paid for through a WRTA grant. Akron Children’s agreed to keep the structure cleaned and maintained.
“It’s a good feeling that we did something positive for the community,” Christa said. “I happen to live nearby, and I’ve driven past on several occasions to see people using it.”
The PAC was formed in the Mahoning Valley 3 years ago to give parents a voice in hospital operations and share ideas for improving services. It was modeled after the Akron PAC, which marked its 20th anniversary this year.
Both PACs primarily comprise parents of children who use Akron Children’s services often for various reasons, and meet monthly to discuss timely issues.
They’ve been involved in initiatives ranging from suggesting new facility amenities and building design ideas, to serving on hospital committees and participating in medical staff simulation training exercises.
Learn more about joining a PAC or related volunteer opportunities for parents.
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