If you’ve got an open mind and an inquisitive nature, you could be just what your local NHS is looking for.
As the provider of hospital and community care to around 1 million people across the region every year, Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking people to join its new and exciting Patient and Public Council.
The purpose of the Council is to help influence and improve patient care by representing the views of a cross section of the local community.
Sarah Bates, Assistant Chief Nurse for Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust says:
“All of us will need to call on the NHS at some point in our lives; it could be after an accident, having a baby, or perhaps the result of a long term health condition.
“We also know that, as a public service, people care about the NHS; they feel a sense of ownership and value it highly. We’re now looking for people who can use their interest in health issues and the local community to help us improve the experience of our patients and the services we provide.
“People don’t necessarily need to have used health services extensively in the past or be a patient now to apply; we’d like to hear from anyone who has a positive approach, an enquiring mind, is interested in learning more about our hospitals, and above all, who wants to help us make positive changes for the future.”
The Trust is looking for a cross section of people from different backgrounds, with differing skills and experience, to join the Patient and Public Council. Qualities and attributes being sought include:
- an interest in the quality and performance of the Trust
- an open and enquiring mind
- a desire to contribute to and represent the local community
- the ability to look at issues objectively
- the confidence to ask questions and join in debate
- a willingness to listen and make informed judgements
- the ability to work well with others
- time to spare
Sarah continues:
“It is important for us to have a diverse membership to ensure we understand and respond to the different needs of the communities we serve.
“In return for just a few hours every month, we’ll provide access to exclusive member seminars and events, offer regular updates on what’s happening within our hospitals, and enable people to meet and hear from healthcare staff working on the frontline of NHS care.
“This role could suit many different people, from students looking to complement their CVs to new parents who have a few hours to spare or retired people who now want to give something back. Whoever you are and whatever you do, if you want to help us make positive improvements to hospital care, we’d love to hear from you.”
How to apply
An informal information session will be held next week for anyone interested in joining the Council. It is not essential to attend this event before submitting an application, but it may help to answer any questions you may have. The information event will be held on Thursday 3rd March 2016, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, in the Board Room, Alderson House (Trust HQ), Hull Royal Infirmary. To register your interest in attending, please contact laura.roberts@hey.nhs.uk or (01482) 675165.
To find out more and apply to become a Council member, please visit www.jobs.nhs.uk and search for vacancy reference 356-A-16-14856.
Alternatively, you can submit a CV containing supporting statements as to why you are interested in joining. Be sure to mention any areas in which you have a particular interest e.g. Elderly Care, Children’s Services, Mental Health etc, and please include the details of two people who will provide references for you. CVs should then be sent to laura.roberts@hey.nhs.uk or:
Laura Roberts
Membership Office
Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Alderson House
Hull Royal Infirmary
Anlaby Road
Hull
HU3 2JZ
The closing date for applications is Friday 4th March 2016 and interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 16th March 2016.
