Patient and public involvement (PPI)
Patient Panel
The trust has a group of local people who volunteer their time and skills to work with us on improving the experience for all patients. Members of the Patient Panel have recent experience as a patient or as a carer.
The Patient Panel meets monthly to discuss the trust’s services and developments. Departmental heads can give the panel updates on the progress they are making and the challenges they face. In addition, members of the panel sit on various trust committees. They also review policies and patient information leaflets.
Each year our panel members have an important role when we carry out ‘PLACE’ assessments – that is ‘Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment’. They tour the areas scheduled for assessment and complete the assessment forms. It is an audit of whether our sites are comfortable, clean and patient-friendly. It includes a wide range of factors from parking, maintenance and décor to facilities and food.
Members of the panel do not need any knowledge of healthcare. When carrying out any aspect of the role, the members of the panel are there to give a patient’s perspective, so it is important that our panel represents the community we serve. You can make a difference to our patients, carers and relatives by becoming a member of the Patient Panel.
If you are interested in joining our panel, or would just like more information, please contact: westherts.patientexperience@nhs.net
