Where I work service users are involved in various areas of the hospital's Clinical Governance processes such as recruitment, service user forums, training of staff. We have ward representatives who have the opportunity to attend other meetings and input into the running of the hospital however I struggle to get commitment in their attendance.
I would appreciate suggestions on how to further develop ward rep roles/commitment. What have you tried and tested? What worked and what didn't and why?
Thanks
I facilitated the running of a service user engagement group for nearly two years. These were service users with a learning disability with the aim of the group being for them to be involved in the service and how it is run at every level, and to develop pieces of work and improvements for the service and beyond (e.g easy read information we use such as appointment letters, easy read information for CAMHS and dental services). One of the most difficult things for me was having the time to do this on top of my caseload and having little support from higher management. What worked well was meeting once a month/6 weekly and the fact that we were able to pay the attendees (after all they were doing a job) which was an added incentive for them to attend. Also making sure the sessions were meaningful to them and that they were planning what they wanted to work on and improve within the service.
In relation to ward reps are you referring to staff? I can only imagine their lack of engagement and attendance is in relation to time constraints. Could you get them to speak with their managers and explain that it is important and part of their development and CPD and important that someone is engaging patients in developing the service?