UCLH is committed to involving patients, carers and members of the public in planning, developing and monitoring the services it provides and commissions. The Trust promotes genuine partnership between the Trust and the community. We aim to achieve this by involving people in discussions and decisions on the way services are provided, so that our services meet the needs of patients, their carers and the public as effectively as possible.
Involving patients and the public in decision-making is crucial to ensuring that NHS services deliver what patients want and need. Improving the experience of patients, users and their carers is a top priority for UCLH. This section of the website contains information on how you can get involved.
We are keen to involve patients and the public in a variety of different ways at the Trust. This might range from taking part in a survey, a focus group, perhaps joining a patient panel or participating in a support group. Here are some examples from last year on how people got involved.
- Training – It’s important for staff to understand what it is like to be on the receiving end of care. Patients have told us their stories about experience through video, which have then been included in staff training.
- Focus groups – Women who had given birth at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Hospital were invited to discuss their experiences and identify areas for service improvement. These were then discussed with senior management who took action on the main themes that were identified.
- Quality improvement – Nurses worked with older adults to explore their experience of dignity in care using the creative arts. Participants were invited to make use of collage, movement/dance and sculpting with clay. The nurses and patients were able to learn and reflect together. One of the participants commented “… it’s a partnership, being given a voice, listened to, and people are prepared to learn”. There are always new and interesting opportunities to get involved.
We are developing a database of patients, carers and the public who would like to become more involved in developing and improving services at UCLH.
Please email the Patient and Public Involvement Facilitator for a form to register your interest in becoming involved.