YEOVIL NEWS: Volunteers needed for Patient Voice

YEOVIL District Hospital is appealing to local people to join them in championing the voice of patients to shape the future of care across Somerset.

Patient Voice is a small group of volunteers whose aim is to encourage open and honest feedback from patients about their experience of care in the hospital, so that their comments can be used constructively in helping to develop future hospital strategy.

The group is now calling for more volunteers to help them gain comprehensive feedback from patients in every ward across the hospital.

As part of their work, each volunteer walks an allocated ward, helping patients to complete a ‘Your Care’ questionnaire in which they can feed back any comments on their care experience during their stay.

Volunteers also have the chance to observe and evaluate patient mealtimes, as well as to participate in hospital committees and share their opinions on a variety of issues that affect the smooth running of the hospital.

Volunteers can work any time to suit them and benefit from free parking and reimbursed travel expenses.

They are also encouraged to ‘buddy up’ with an experienced Patient Voice volunteer for the first few times on the ward, to increase their confidence and understanding of the role.

Chairman of Patient Voice, Sue Smith, said: “Our volunteers form a vital link between the patient and the NHS.

“By recording this valuable feedback, we can ensure that our care really meets the needs of our patients and is of a consistently high standard.

“This is a fantastic way to gain a deeper understanding of the structure and functions of your local hospital and you get the satisfaction of knowing that patient views are being heard.”

For more information about Patient Voice, contact Patient.Voice@ydh.nhs.uk, or telephone our Patient Experience Team on 01935-364706.

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