Mission

The ESRD Network of New England Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) is committed to enhancing the quality of life for New England ESRD patients through education, communication and active representation.

What is the PAC? Brochure

The New England PAC is made up of dialysis patients, transplant patients and patients’ family members from the six New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The members of the PAC are chosen for their leadership qualities and interest in promoting quality of care for their fellow patients. The PAC is the voice for all New England patients on dialysis –over 12,000 and for those patients who have had kidney transplants.

What is the Network of New England?

Activities

The PAC meets face to face twice a year in Sturbridge, MA and several times throughout the year on telephone conference calls. The meetings are completely supported by the ESRD Network of New England, which pays for all expenses including mileage reimbursement, lodging, meals, meeting space, meeting materials and meeting facilitator. The purpose of the meeting is to make decisions about which patient education projects to focus on and to advise the Network staff in its work with the New England renal community. The activities of the PAC include, but are not limited to:

• Assist in the creation of educational material for patients.
• Review material developed by the Network to make sure it is “patient-centered”.
• Inform the Network of New England of patient concerns so the Network can provide education to ALL Network providers.
• Suggest topic ideas for the Networks patient educational newsletter Kidney Chronicles.
• Assist with the PAC booth at the Network Annual Meeting in October.
• Provide advice or patient perspectives to assist with conflict resolutions.

Committee Membership

A potential PAC member is nominated by dialysis and transplant providers from the six New England states and the staff of the ESRD Network of New England. Providers can download the nomination form. If a patient is selected to serve on the PAC, and the patient agrees, he or she will contacted by the Network Patient Services Coordinator to discuss membership in greater detail and answer any questions the patient may have.

If a patient is interested in joining they should call the Network (Toll free # 866-286-9332), fill out a patient application form, or talk to their provider (social worker, nurse, doctor) about their interest in joining the PAC.

The Network of New England PAC’s Accomplishments

Over the years the PAC has developed some wonderful patient-centered posters, brochures and comic strips. Take a look and see the similar types of exciting projects you can work with the Network on!
• Your New Life - A guide for patients and patients families with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Your New Life is also available in Spanish.
• Be Aware Be Safe Poster - A poster created by the Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) that gives tips on awareness and safety on medications, access, diet and advocacy
• The Fortunes of Freddy and Freda Fistula - A comic strip that teaches about the importance of having an AV Fistula.
The Fortunes of Freddy and Freda Fistula-Part 1
The Fortunes of Freddy and Freda Fistula-Part 2
• "Bee" Informed About Your Rights and Responsibilities - Patient Advisory Committee (PAC) developed brochure, with input from the new Conditions for Coverage that lists rights and responsibilities of patients, while also describing the Network grievance policy.