Working with our patients to keep them safe

This Sunday (17^th September) is World Patient Safety Day, and the World Healthcare Organisation is asking us to the globe to elevate the voice of patients. Here at EEAST we’re committed to putting our patients at the centre of the care we provide, and we’re delighted to have two of our patients helping us do just that, in newly created volunteer roles as patient safety partners. 

The new roles are being introduced as part of the new national Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF), which is a new initiative launching across the country at the end of the month. PSIRF provides a framework for us to investigate and learn from serious incidents through open conversation with patients and their families, whilst offering support to our own colleagues who are involved.

It is also important that we listen to what our patients and families share with us about their experience of the care they receive. It allows us to learn and continue to improve our services. 

Both of our new Patient Safety Partners have had experience as patients who were cared for by EEAST staff. They will work with our staff and be the voice of patients and families in their communities. They will help us to shape our services and be a ‘critical friend’ bringing patient and family experiences to us in order to understand the best ways to improve what we do.  

If you are interested in volunteering with us, there are many opportunities available, including with our Community Engagement Group. You can find out more in our Volunteer Role Brochure.