The panel is made up of patient volunteers, supported by ULHT staff members, who are encouraged to review, comment on and challenge projects and ideas; representing our patient voice.
This diverse forum helps us to make sure patients, the public and other stakeholders are well informed about the workings and strategic direction of the Trust, as well as to ensure patients have a clear voice when we are planning future care developments and improvements.
Panel meetings are held virtually every month, lasting approximately two-and-a-half hours via Microsoft Teams.
Panel members are all asked to sign up as an Honorary Volunteer to enable the Trust to support training needs, carry out pre-volunteer recruitment checks and to provide any expenses reimbursements for when and if members meet in person for any reason.
The topics panel members are involved in are wide ranging. Previously this has included projects such as improving Outpatient letters, redesigning our Emergency Departments, and introducing new technology to the signage.
Occasionally, the Patient Panel will host workshops to focus on anything that needs a little more time for discussion, for example the visiting restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Patient Panel has been recognised nationally for its work and was a runner-up in the ‘Engaging and Championing the Public’ category of the Patient Experience Network National Awards 2022.
Hear from some of our panel members themselves in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/3Md22HH3pU4
How to become a Patient Panel member
We would love to have more members and to reach out across our communities to include as many people from different backgrounds and experiences, particularly patients from our minority communities and some younger patients too (age 18 or above).
If you are interested in joining us or would like to discuss our Patient Panel further, please contact [email protected].