Sister Louise Riby, Clinical Nurse Manager Katie Booth and the children’s team held our very first Youth Forum at CHFT last week. The Forum has been set up to give young people the chance to have their say about our services.

Matron, Julie Mellor, said "The enthusiasm and superb feedback from the young people was both inspiring and infectious.We had a very full graffiti board of ideas in the space of two hours and even managed time for pizza too!".

Q - Why do we need a youth forum?

A youth forum allows a diverse range of children and young people to access our service.  It allows for these young people to contribute to the care provision we provide for the future.  Not only will this aim to improve patients wellbeing but also assist in the safe and effective delivery of care.

Q - How was the mood at the group?

As with any newly formed group nerves can play a part but as the day went on everyone started to open up and the mood became warm and friendly.  We received a wealth of feedback that we will certainly use to form our service.

Q - What will the Forum's value be to us at CHFT?

Children and Young people give us a largely different view to most demographics, they are honest and open and will speak their minds.  This is the key reason why these young people will benefit our services, not just for paediatrics but the wider hospital facility.

Q - Are youngsters’ views as important as older people’s views for the NHS?

Young peoples views are different but no less important than the older population we serve.  They are a breath of fresh air typically and we cannot wait to work with them again!

Our Chair Philip Lewer went along to the event too. He said: "It was a refreshing change to hear the views of young people from all backgrounds and ages. It made me feel proud to be part of the Trust."