Our Youth Forum has returned, with a group of seven young patients invited to share their thoughts on our ED service.

None of them knew each other before they came, and were all invited by their specialist nurses. 

Paediatric Outpatients Clinic Sister, Joanne Ineson, pictured in the blue uniform middle of photo, leads the Youth Forum. She said: “It was an amazing event. It was my first as the lead and the first we’d been able to run face-to-face since Covid.

“We had invited young people from across paediatrics to give their views and ideas on the services we provide. This forum’s focus was A&E. 

“They were all able to open up and tell us about their experiences, which provides really useful learning for us.”

Here’s some of their feedback:

What did you like best today?

• Interacting with the others and hearing their experiences
• Meeting other people and the activities
• Drawing and dot to dots, making models and the pizza

What would you like to talk about at the next forum?

• What to do if someone’s bone is stuck out of their leg!
• Other peoples’ situations e.g. epilepsy
• Maybe to hear about other patient stories and how they cope

What is important to you when you come to A&E?

• Having things to do when you are feeling bored
• That people are nice to me and that I get the right care that is needed for me
• To have people around me so I feel safe, to be understood and to get good treatment

What was good about your visit to A&E?

• The staff listened to my questions
• They gave good advice to help look after what I had injured. Doctors are reassuring and kind and also understanding
• (Ward experience feedback) Direct access, ice, food is good on the ward, I like to choose and write it down
• They helped me feel welcome and made me feel like I am not alone

What wasn’t so good about your visit to A&E?

• We had to wait a long time for the nurse to come and to get the results of my covid test
• The boredom whilst waiting to be seen
• Cannulas and small sick bowls

How can we make A&E a positive experience for children and young people?

• Games, tablets, drinks and support from play staff and a play area
• For the staff to tell what’s going on and for some activities for the patients to do, for example art and someone to talk to
• Making people feel welcomed and making them feel like they’re not alone