NHS searching for volunteers to help ensure local people are involved in service changes

Do you have the skills and qualities to support the local NHS to ensure it properly involves local people in service changes? Do you have an awareness and understanding of the diverse communities of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin?

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is searching for volunteers to join a committee made up of members of the public and voluntary sector representatives that supports officers to develop their plans to seek the views and experiences of people to influence future health and care services.

The Equality and Involvement Committee (EIC) also plays a key role in making sure that local health and care plans consider the needs of people who experience the greatest inequalities in accessing services and the poorest health outcomes.

Rosemary Hooper, volunteer member of the committee and Deputy Chair, said: “I wanted to join the EIC as I am passionate about accessibility to services.

“Being part of the EIC gives me the opportunity to listen and question about proposed changes and their impact on the local community including those with protected characteristics and those marginalised by systems and process.

“The meetings are friendly and interesting and I always learn something new about how the NHS system works. We are all actively encouraged to participate and I would encourage new members to bring their skills, qualities and perspectives to this vital committee.”

Edna Boampong, Director of Communications and Engagement for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who feels strongly about involving people in service development and closing the gap on health inequalities.

“Making sure that our services are designed and developed in ways that enable everyone in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to have the same opportunity to live a healthy life is one of our biggest priorities.

“This committee will have an important job of working with NHS staff to check they have considered the needs of all the people their service plans will affect.

“As a member of the committee, you will have the chance to really make a difference to our future services, improve people’s lives and their experience of health and care in the county.”

People interested in becoming a member of the committee should have an awareness and understanding of the diverse communities of Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

Members of the committee will be expected to attend one online committee meeting per month and will be provided with the relevant training and support needed to assist them in their role.

To register your interest, please visit the website or call Kate Manning on 07970 353927. The deadline for expressing an interest is Tuesday 20th February 2024.

ENDS