THE Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust (RCHT) is setting up a new Young Person’s Patient Council, and would like to hear from children from the age of 10 and young adults (up to the age of 25) keen to make a difference.

Anyone who is interested can sign up to attend an introductory event on Wednesday [November 12] from 4pm to 6pm at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. Food and refreshments will be provided, and travel costs can be covered to ensure the event is accessible to everyone who wants to attend.

RCHT wants to give young people the ability to make a difference in the care they receive, and have a say in the services that are available for them. It is looking for young patients (or young relatives of patients) who are interested in a career in healthcare, or any young person who wants to provide honest thoughts, experiences and aspirations that will help make care more youth-friendly and effective.

The idea for the council is being driven by RCHT consultant community paediatrician Dr Natasha Sauven and RCHT Matron for Child Health Carrie Jones.

“We’ve seen how the Young Person’s Patient Council works at the University Hospital Plymouth and the amazing improvements to waiting rooms, wards, treatments and technology which have been made,” said Dr Sauven. “It would be incredible if we can emulate their success in Cornwall.”

Bernadette George, director Of nursing, midwifery and Allied Health Care Professionals at RCHT added: “The voice of the patient is so important when it comes to delivering safe and compassionate care, and none more so than our younger patients and their parents.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to give Cornwall’s youngsters a purposeful voice so that, as at Trust, we can improve our patient services for everyone.”

To find out more, email [email protected]