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Parents, Carers and Children's and Young People's Councils Listening to Children and Young People, Parents and Carers at Alder Hey The Trust set up a Patient Access Strategy Group (PASG) in 2001 which is led by the Executive Nurse and Director of Service Development. The purpose of this multidisciplinary group is to ensure that the Trust meets its goals and aspirations with regard to:
As the group developed, the Trust was very mindful that, whilst parents and carers have traditionally acted as spokespeople for children and young people, it is the children and young people who are the patients, and they have a unique and very valid perspective about all aspects of their treatment and care. The PASG therefore commissioned its Child and Family Friendly (CHAFF) subgroup to undertake a large scale consultation to seek the views of children and young people who attend Alder Hey. Children’s Consultation This was undertaken in collaboration with the Children’s Society. It involved over 300 children and young people who attend Alder Hey, through focus groups and questionnaires, and identified what their priorities are to make the hospital “an even better place”. A consultation feedback event was held at Liverpool Football Club in May 2003, and following this, a report has been produced, which describes the process and findings of the consultation. This was formed as a direct result of the feedback event. The Council was described as providing the opportunity to work alongside staff at all levels to help make the priorities identified in the consultation a reality. Ten children and young people signed up to become its first members. Support for setting up the Council has been led by PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) and a small team including Chief Nurse, Play Co-ordinator and a Clinical Psychologist. The Council has the full backing of the Chair of the Trust and the Executive Nurse, both of whom have met with the children and young people to express their commitment. 
The Council has determined the key points of its Constitution. Its purpose is:
The Council wants to:
The Council states that members should be:
The Council meets once a month within the hospital site on a weekday after school. The 10 original members are the core of the Council. They have recently elected their Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary and are now looking to expand their membership. They have started to review the priorities from the original consultation, and to develop their work plan, alongside the relevant staff. A Personal Perspective As a patient of Alder Hey for almost 14 years, I have accessed numerous services at the hospital as both an in-patient and out-patient. I have taken a keen interest in the services provided by Alder Hey for children and young people. As a result of this, I have become involved in the Children and Young People’s Council at the hospital. We at the council feel young people should always be entitled to share our opinions on matters concerning and affecting our lives and wellbeing. They should always be listened to and taken seriously, just because we aren't adults doesn’t mean our opinions don't count or aren't important. The Council was set up to give patients a voice on subjects important to them in order to make Alder Hey a better place for children and young people. Children and young people are more intelligent than they are often given credit for. They have valid opinions on everything from asking questions about their treatment to the running of the hospital, right down to what they want for lunch. The Council, although still in its early stages, has been talking about matters such as pain, privacy, and other matters affecting our stays in the hospital. We are interested in every aspect of how the hospital is run and strive to make a difference for the better. Over the past year I have seen many changes for the better at the hospital, In my opinion, things are moving forward towards our goals. Both staff and non-staff members are all being listened to more and our views and opinions are being taken into account with real results. Alder Hey is portrayed to be the biggest & best children's hospital in Europe. It is attended from birth up until adulthood. Sick children come from all over the world to be treated at Alder Hey & everybody whether they are young or old or come from near or far should always be allowed to express a valid & important opinion that should be listened to by everyone. I feel that this is beginning to happen which means progress for the future. I feel that the hospital is living up to its good reputation and striving to continue to make things better for everyone. By Paul Murphy Making a difference – supporting change The Parent and Carers Council gives parents and carers the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of change and development concerning the services provided by the Trust for children, young people and their families. We work in partnership with Trust staff and aim to represent the views of all parents and carers. We set our own agenda and elect our own officers. We invite and get asked to include in our meetings Trust staff from a variety of different areas. Trust staff now readily accept the importance of including parents and carers at planning stages of new projects and as such want to consult us and listen to our views.
If you do not want to join the council but still wish to have your views heard or become a supporter of the council we would still welcome your help and input. To find out more and have your say please follow the links below. Future dates of the PCC meetings:
Shared aims of the Councils PALS is facilitating links between the Councils which share the overall aim of enabling children, young people and families to have a real voice in influencing change and development at Alder Hey. Recognition of this by the Trust Board and the demonstrable commitment of the Chair and senior management to work with both Councils are very positive signals that this will really happen. For further information about any of these councils please contact Mandy Russell, Patient Experience Manager on 0151 224 4811 ext 2899. |
Children’s and Young People's Council 
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