FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital is hosting two patient-centered focus groups on Wednesday, May 1, to gain insight on ways to improve access to health care for patients who are uninsured and underinsured.

The focus groups will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Walden Room, downstairs next to the cafeteria, at Franklin Memorial Hospital.

The groups will be facilitated by Tracy Harty, newly appointed nurse navigator.

“We really want to know what our patients are thinking about getting the health care they need, finding a primary care provider, filling prescriptions and how our financial assistance program is working for them,” Harty said. “In my new role at the hospital, I am working with our financial assistance program to better understand how we can provide the best care, at the right place and the right time, to best meet patients’ needs.”

Anyone with an interest in these issues is invited to attend either session. At the conclusion of the focus group, participants will receive a gas card to help offset their travel costs for attending.

“We really want to help patients take better care of their health,” Harty said. “We really need our patients’ input and suggestions as we plan for the future.”

The focus groups are made possible by Franklin CARES, a nurse navigator pilot program to improve health care coordination, access to health care, and integration of behavioral health care for uninsured and underinsured patients qualifying for free or discounted care under the hospital’s financial assistance policy.

For additional information contact Harty at 779-2830.