Giving young patients a voice

Young “inspectors” spent a busy day reviewing Paediatric services at New Cross Hospital – impressing healthcare staff with their observations and ideas.

The young inspectors from Wodensfield Primary School carrying out their inspection at New Cross Hospital

Through an innovative engagement and involvement project called Little Voices, children from Wodensfield Primary School in Woden Avenue reviewed Paediatric services at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) before feeding back their findings to senior healthcare leaders.

The multi award-winning Little Voices initiative was developed by the Patient Relations & Experience Team at partners Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust but this is the first time it has been used at RWT.

Eight inspectors from the school council in Years 3 to 6 – pupils aged seven to 11 – complete with hi-vis jackets inscribed ‘Little Inspector’, lanyards and clipboards, visited Paediatric Assessment Unit, Ward A21, Children’s Outpatients and Ward A23.

The children observed the importance of hand hygiene, whether they felt safe, whether staff smiled, how staff engaged with each other and patients, whether staff spoke directly to the young patients and whether there were any breaches of uniform policy.

Kirsty Lewis, Senior Matron for Acute Children’s Services at RWT, led them on the tour.

She said: “We’re used to having regular audits of our services but they are more formal and corporate, so having the children feed back gave a fun element to it, as well as a different voice.

“The children were given access all areas and talked to Doctors, Nurses and patients to find out how they were spoken to, even whether they found any dust!

The young inspectors from Wodensfield Primary School

“They inspected and made beds and looked in store rooms.

“In the afternoon they tasted food being served to patients before meeting with leaders to discuss their findings.”

The children presented their inspection to Debra Hickman, Chief Nursing Officer, Jodie Winfield, Deputy Head of Nursing for Adult Community and Primary Care, and Dr Cathy Higgins, Divisional Medical Director and Consultant Paediatrician.

Feedback was collated by the senior leaders and sent to the Patient Experience Team which will compile a report to be presented at Trust Board.

“The amazing thing was their honesty,” added Kirsty. “It was pure, honest feedback on our service and they were so enthusiastic and engaging.

“They told us that Nurses need to smile more! One boy was asked to pull the emergency buzzer and when all the staff came running to where he was, he said that made him feel safe.

“Mr Gould, the Deputy Headteacher who accompanied the children, said how important it is for education to happen outside of the classroom and how good it was for the children to communicate with adults and other professionals.”

Liam Gould said: “Visiting New Cross Hospital was an invaluable experience for our school council members.

“They not only honed their oracy skills and boosted their confidence, but also made a meaningful impact on the children’s experience at the hospital.

“This opportunity has truly enriched their personal growth and community spirit.”

Ethan, a Year 4 pupil, said: “It was enjoyable visiting the hospital. The staff were welcoming, and it was great to taste some of the menu and learn about all the different roles that people do.”

ENDS

• For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net