Patient representatives – Your Future Hospital programme

We have exciting plans to develop our site, including building a brand-new Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit as part of the government’s New Hospital Programme (NHP).

This scheme offers us a once-in-a generation opportunity to expand our clinical facilities so we can continue to provide outstanding care for years to come.

The views of our patients and their relatives are very important to us as we develop our plans. As part of our wider stakeholder engagement plans, we are also looking for patient representatives to help ensure patients, relatives and carers’ views are represented and considered throughout the process.

One will focus on the Emergency Department part of the scheme (we already have a patient representative for the Critical Care Unit) and the others would sit on our NHP Board, which manages the overall delivery of the project. They may also be opportunities to be a part of other projects that are part of our masterplan.

You will use your knowledge and experiences to represent the voices of patients and carers.

Ideally, you will be someone who has had experience of our Emergency Department or Critical Care Unit - either as a patient or relative/carer. You will be able to provide a patient, carer, or lay perspective and put forward views on behalf of wider patient and community groups.

You’ll also play a role with wider patient engagement, including focus groups.

While this is a voluntary role, we are looking for people who are willing to commit a minimum 4 hours per month, for one-two years. You will receive support from the Trust to fulfil the role, including any training and travel expenses.

Read more about the role and what it involves.

If you would like to be considered for this role, please email Hannah Robinson at hannahrobinson@dchft.nhs.uk or send a letter to Volunteers Team, Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY with a brief explanation about why you are interested and how you meet the criteria in the role description.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We would welcome expressions of interest from people in under-represented groups.

If you would like more information or to discuss this role and any adjustments required, please email yourfuturehospital@dchft.nhs.uk or call 01305 223963.