Young Persons Patient Council Celebrates 1st Birthday
The room was full on Monday night as young people celebrated the Young Persons Patient Council’s 1st birthday. The Council, which now has 29 members, is growing all the time and founding members and new joiners came together last night for a special birthday meeting.
The Council is chaired by Lachlan Mitchell, a young person who has experience of hospital care both as a patient over many years and now as a trainee Occupational Therapist.
“As chair of the Young Persons' Patient Council, I've seen what it's like when young people are given the space to shape the healthcare that affects them,” Lachlan said.
“Over the past year, we've grown to over 20 members, each bringing their lived experience, ideas, and energy to our meetings. A huge thank you to every member for giving your time, speaking up, and supporting each other. Together, our voices are driving real changes. Thank you also to those who facilitate our sessions; your encouragement and commitment behind the scenes have enabled the council to grow, evolve, and have a real impact.
“I'm really proud of what we've achieved in our first year, and even more excited about what's ahead. I hope that we keep growing, keep challenging and continue to improve the hospital experience for young people - not just by being heard but by being part of the solution.”
Over the past year our young members have got involved in helping in the interview process to recruit new staff; assessing the environment we provide care in; contributing ways to improve the environment; talking with clinical staff about how care is provided for young people and making suggestions, such as having a quiet hour, on the children’s wards. Soon they will be providing food tasting and providing feedback to improve the menu for children and young people, in line with Sophie’s Legacy and speaking on hospital radio.
If you would like to find out more about the YPPC visit the section on our website. We are really appreciative of the time our young members take to share their honest thoughts, opinions, experiences and aspirations in order to help make healthcare more engaging, youth-friendly, and effective for others.
In this video, Sennan, Becky, Matthew and Ayanti talk about their experiences as members.
