Patient Partners are individuals that volunteer their time here at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust. Patient Partners have different areas of expertise and interest that they bring to the hospital, allowing them to advocate for themselves, patients, carers and local communities.

Anybody can become a Patient Partner. The only requirements are that you are able to commit time to the role for a minimum of six months to be able to obtain a reference. No qualifications or training are required as all training is given during the induction process.

If this is something that you have not got much experience in, please do not let this put you off. You will have the full support of the Patient Insight and Involvement Team at UHCW.

Patient Partners meet bimonthly at a Patient Partner Forum to discuss current opportunities and recent activities that they have been involved in.

Guest speakers attend these meetings to talk about particular topics/educational resources, allowing Patient Partners to learn about involvement and engagement opportunities available.

Patient Partners get involved in activities that best meet their strengths and interests. These can include:

• Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE)
• Rapid Process Improvement Workshops (RPIWs)
• Patient Information Reviews
• Mystery Shopper Exercises
• Patient Experience and Engagement Committee (PEEC) Meetings
• Access Audits
• Promotion of the Patient Partner role within the Trust and community
• Various committees, including the Medicine Safety Committee and Arts Committee.

• Gain skills and experience of working with patients, visitors, clinical staff and the general public.
• Gain a greater understanding and experience of the hospital environment, management structure and specialty groups within a clinical environment.
• Gain the satisfaction of helping to improve patient experience for patients, their family and other visitors.
• Be recognised for your contribution and gain the opportunity to attend social events.

If this role interests you, please contact insightandinvolve@uhcw.nhs.uk. Please also reach out if you have any questions about the role and what it entails.

Alternatively, download the Patient Partner recruitment flyer and the Volunteers application pack which can be found above.