Patient, Carer and Public Involvement events a huge hit!
More than a hundred people with an interest in health attended an event hosted by our Trust to gather views on good practice patient and public involvement.
Patients, carers, representatives from third sector organisations and community groups attended the first event held on the 31 January 2019 at Coventry Methodist Central Hall and on the 4 February 2019 at Dormer Hall Conference Centre, Leamington Spa. Attendees had the chance to hear from speakers and took part in a range of interactive workshops.
The event was chaired by Hardeep Dhillon, Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement and opened by Simon Gilby, Chief Executive of our Trust. Jagtar Singh, Chair of the Trust, closed the event and shared his thanks to those who attended. Presentations included: Why involvement matters, how the trust involves carers (Triangle of Care), the importance of volunteers, and information about the Recovery and Wellbeing Academy.
Isobel Jonas from Healthwatch Warwickshire, who attended the event said: “It is great to know that the Trust is taking steps to ensure that patients and carers are listened to and involved in the shaping of future plans. The information we learned from the speakers and the tabletop discussions on setting priorities and health outcomes will benefit our own work around patient experience. It was an excellent networking event”.
Hardeep Dhillon, Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement, said, “Thank you to everyone that came along and participated in the first two events. There were lots of stimulating and lively talks amongst attendees as well as some practical suggestions and valuable learning which will be used to inform the Trust’s Communications and Involvement plan.
“Over the few months we will continue to develop our approach to communications and involvement and the ongoing support and contributions of patient-public stakeholders will be paramount to this.”
Information stalls included the Dimensions Liaison team, the Neurodevelopmental team, Improving Access to Psychological Therapies, Physiotherapy, Out of Hospital Community services, National Energy Action, Positive Images Festival, Making Space Health and Social Care services, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust and Healthwatch Warwickshire. This gave them an opportunity both to raise awareness about the services they offer and to provide information there and then.
The feedback during the interactive table discussions was insightful and will be used to develop how the Trust communicates and involves public and patients in developing and delivering its services.