Work to highlight the value of lived experience is recognised at national awards
Our Patient Experience team were finalists in the recent East of England Great British Care Awards.
The Great British Care Awards celebrate teams and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work in the care sector.
The team were finalists for the Co-Production Award for their work on EPUT’s Reward and Recognition policy.
The policy was developed in August 2022 to encourage authentic co-production within the Trust and ensure we recognise the contributions and experiences of our Lived Experience Ambassadors (LEAs) on an equal level to paid staff.
Our LEA group has grown incredibly since the policy was launched and we encourage colleagues across the Trust to let patients and service users know about the opportunities available if they would like to become an LEA.
Amy Poole, Head of Patient Experience said: “We are truly delighted that we are a finalists in the East of England regional heat of the Great British Care Awards for our reward and recognition policy.
“We have worked tirelessly with our Lived Experience Ambassadors to get to this stage. The policy brings an entirely new innovative way of working that allows us to authentically honour the four pillars of co-production: equality, diversity, accessibility and reciprocity.
“The policy ensures we are working with those who have had lived, living and learnt experiences of our services as equally valued contributors and creators.
“It just goes to show that all the hard work and dedication of the team has been recognised. We have been approached by colleagues in NHS Trusts up and down the country for our lessons learnt and advice of best practice.
“Equally, observing the positive effect this policy has on many of the contributors’ recovery has been a privilege. As people with lived experience are increasingly recognised as assets to our organisation, we have seen individuals grow in confidence and people become more empowered.”
If you are interested in becoming a lived experience ambassador or finding out more about how your experience can help make a difference, email epunft.pet@nhs.net