A new voice for patients, families and carers at Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust 

Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has recruited five Patient Safety Partners to be the voice for patients, their families and carers in developing the Trust's continued focus on safety.

They will be members of the Safety and Quality Committee and represent the views of the patients and people who use the Trust's services, supporting the drive to improve patient care and safety throughout the organisation.

Patient Safety Partners are clear recognition of the importance of involving patients, their families and carers in all aspects of healthcare. The partners will support and challenge the Trust, acting as a critical friend to ensure that the diverse perspectives of patients, families and carers are fully represented. They can influence the future development of services from the point of view of service users.  

The Patient Safety Partners will be out and about on wards in the coming week talking to patients and carers. 

Dr Nicola Armstrong, Nurse Consultant Patient Safety & Patient Safety Specialist, said: "I'm delighted to welcome our patient safety partners as they start a journey to change our approach to patient involvement, where we are committed to openness and transparency between staff and patients throughout the organisation.

“It's fantastic to be working with them and witness their efforts to bring the voices of patients, families and carers at the centre of developing services at The Trust".

Mark Dale, a Patient Safety Partner, said: “I am honoured to be a new EPUT Patient Safety Partner and look forward to listening to patients to understand how they feel about the care they are receiving to help inform improvement and ensure they receive the best possible service.”