17 July 2026
Young students who are helping to shape services for young patients at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust have played a key role in recruiting a new Children’s Ward Matron.
Pupils from Pelsall Village School visited Walsall Manor Hospital as part of the Trust’s award-winning Little Voices project, led by the Patient Relations and Experience Team, which gives children the opportunity to share their views and help improve services for young patients.
Previously, they have carried out “inspections” taking part in a play session, food tasting, and observing hand hygiene, sharing their feedback and ideas with the trust’s Executive Team.
For this important vacancy, they were eager to join the interview panel to ask questions and score responses to help identify the best person for the role.
They began the morning preparing their questions and discussing the qualities they felt were most important in a Children’s Ward Matron and what would help young patients feel safe and supported during their hospital stay.
A key focus for the pupils was ensuring candidates understood the importance of Martha’s Rule, a patient safety initiative designed to support the early recognition of deterioration by ensuring the concerns of patients, families, carers and staff are listened to and acted upon.
They also had fun celebrating Children’s Nurses’ Day – creating a special thank you card which was presented to staff and they began exploring ideas for a new poster promoting the importance of listening to children when they are in hospital.
Mrs Rebecca Sweet, Teaching Assistant, said: “The students have been so excited to be a part of the process, and share their views on behalf of other children.
“It’s also a great opportunity for them to learn and gain important life experience.”
They identified some of the key qualities they were looking out for, including kindness and compassion.
Erin and Wyatt, both aged ten, said: “We’re looking for someone who would be good at taking care of children and understand their feelings.
“We’re proud to be part of the interview panel and make sure we find the right person for the job.”
Garry Perry, Associate Director Patient Voice, said: “It’s so fantastic to have been joined by Little Voices for this. Listening to the perspective of children, finding out how they want to be communicated with and what makes them feel comfortable, is invaluable.
“We’re honoured they were able to join us to share their thoughts and we’re looking forward to working with them again in the near future.”
Before leaving, they were tasked with some homework to start thinking about ideas for a new hospital children’s book, taking inspiration from members of staff working across the organisation.
The children embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and are now discussing potential characters and storylines designed to engage and reassure young patients.