VIDEO: Ten years of the Island’s ‘Patient Council’ were celebrated at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Annual General Meeting earlier this month.
The Patient Council was formed in 2005, taking over from the previous Patient Quality Group that disbanded in 2004. Some members who formed the original Patient Quality Group are still members of the Patient Council today. To commemorate their 10 years of service, members were presented with a crystal plaque engraved with an outline of the Island, the NHS lozenge and the words ‘Celebrating 10 Years of the Patient Council’.
Praising past and current members for all their dedication, contribution and hard work Trust Chief Executive Karen Baker said:
“The Patient Council plays a vital role for the Trust and the wider NHS in sense checking our plans and procedures. The Members have firsthand experience of being patients and bring a very important perspective to our discussions about health services on the Island.”
The Patient Council meets every six weeks to discuss developments and plans that could impact on patients and the wider public. There are 25 representatives who help provide a patient perspective and to pursue or help address matters identified as important by patients. Members of the Patient Council are also involved in shaping strategies and new initiatives within the local health scene, and they provide regular representation to various committees and Board meetings. Members are also involved in other pieces of work as agreed with the Trust to help improve quality of services and patient experience.
The audience at the AGM also heard from Chris Mannion from iSurf and Rob Jubb from the Award winning Wave Project on how the voluntary service has developed since winning the Chairman’s Diamond Award at the Trust Awards in January 2015.
Rob, a volunteer with the project on the Island, said:
“Through surfing we build the confidence and social skills of young people who have struggled to make their way in life. It’s a fun activity which encourages self esteem and a positive attitude to life. A small investment now in these young people’s lives is preventing deterioration into long term mental health conditions.”
Article continues below this advertisement
You can find out more about the Wave Project at www.waveproject.co.uk. The film shown at the AGM can be found on You Tube at https://youtu.be/LGZ9UBvY3_E.
The AGM also heard from the NHS Nightingales who sang at the beginning and end of the meeting. This singing group started around two years ago and comprises staff who work in the NHS on the Island.
Kay Marriott, one of members said:
“Singing is a great antidote to the stresses of life. We have great fun singing together and it’s a pleasure to put on a performance for an audience.”
The Nightingales have a concert – ‘Songs on a Summer’s Evening’ – with special guests IW Glee, at the Quay Arts Centre, Newport on Wednesday 22nd July 2015 at 19:30.
