NHS Somerset Health Service

Patient Experience Roadshows

The Patient Experience Team attends different events to try and find out what the public think about NHS services in Somerset.

Christine Lincoln pictured here gathering views

Bridgwater's Carers event, 23 September 2010

This was organised by the Bridgwater Federation of Patient Participation Groups. Over 20 organisations were represented at the event, including Age Concern, Diabetes UK, Local Food Direct, The Red Cross, Somerset Direct, NHS Somerset and many more.

The event was very well organised and the Patient Experience Team felt it was well worth attending as they gathered lots of views and signed people up who wanted to become involved in the work of the Trust. As well as meeting members of the public some good contacts were made with representatives from other organisations.

Patient Participation Group (PPG) Chair Network 26 August 2010

The first meeting of the emerging Patient Participation Groups Chair’s Network was held on Thursday 24 August at Lyngford House in Taunton. There were 19 Chairs or their representatives from Patient Groups across the whole of Somerset as far as Frome in the far east of the county and Porlock and Dulverton in the far west.

The group agreed to meet again in November and at the start of that meeting the group want to have the opportunity to introduce themselves and find out what each are has been doing.

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Patient Participation Group Chairs Network

SPACE

Minehead international festival of culture

Margaret Grizzell at the International festival of culture

International Festival of Culture,18 July 2010

The Patient Experience Team were offered the chance to join other Statutory and Voluntary Organisations at the International Festival of Culture at Minehead College. Exhibitors included organisations such as The Dementia Society, West Somerset District Council, Avon and Somerset Police, and Somerset Racial Equality Council.

The Festival presented the opportunity to reach a range of people from the Black and Minority Ethnic Community and ask them for their views about Health Services provided in Somerset.

Frome Festival, 12 - 16 July 2010

Frome festival occurs every year and this year was the 10th anniversary. The Patient Experience Team joined other members of NHS Somerset on the Somerset Community Blue Bus. It was a very interactive event with health check activities being carried out such as blood pressure checks.

A questionnaire based on Frome Health services was available for members of the public to complete as well as giving their general views on NHS Services in Somerset. There were mixed responses and a lot of feedback was gained to pass onto the relevant health services.

SPACE

A demonstration being given by NHS employees

Margaret Grizzell at the Bath and West Show

The Bath and West Show, 2-5 June 2010

The Patient Experience Team were offered the chance to join the Public Health team who provided information, advice and a wide variety of health promotion activities such as: Older People’s Services, the Health Trainer Service, Smoking Cessation service and Services related to physical activity, healthy weight, healthy eating.

A broad range of feedback was acquired from the public about their views of NHS services in Somerset - a free strawberry was a great incentive! Whilst at the show the Patient Advice and Liaison Service was also promoted.

Lay User Day, 12 March 2010

An interactive day was held for key lay users, these are members of the public who sit on committees and groups within NHS Somerset. This was an opportunity for them to meet with other people who are lay users on different groups and to seek their views on relevant issues.

There were some lively discussions about how patients and the public can be involved in shaping the future of the Health Services in Somerset and how we can do that across the whole county. Delegates enjoyed the day and further events will be arranged.

Lay User Day