Press Release

1 May 2008

Volunteers needed to join Hospital’s Patient Council

The Mid Essex hospital’s Patient Council is celebrating its sixth birthday and are looking to recruit some new members.

Members of the council are all volunteers who are involved in all areas of the hospital’s work.  They wotk clsoely with trust staff and put forward proposals to improve the overall patient experience. Their key aim is to find out from the apteitns what is really important to them and their familiy and to find out what people’s expectations are from a stay or visit to hospital.  Each speciality within the hospital has a representative of the patient council who works with them.

Maureen Hindle, chair of the patient council, said: “It is a very worthwhile role as we represent the views of all patients and carers who use the hospital.  We want the council to be as representative as possible, so we hope to encourage members from a range of age groups, gender and ethnic backgrounds.  As well as being part of various groups at the hospital a significant part of our role is to visit, observe and obtain patient/carers views leading to a substantial improvement in patient care and services offered.”

If you would like more information about the patients council or are interested in becoming a member please contact Joanne Triggs on (01245) 514235 or e-mail Joanne.triggs@meht.nhs.uk

ENDS

Media contact : Jo Triggs tel: (01245) 514235 | Mobile : 0790 005 4948