This initiative currently only happens at the Hamworthy Practice, we would like to roll this out across all sites in the future. We have patients who volunteer their time to do things to help improve the practice and patient experience. They have previously done things like ‘Meet and Greet’, in reception. By gathering feedback from other patients, the information has been used to make some improvements to the practice. We have refurbished the seating area and installed an automatic door. Asked patients to complete a form of who their next of kin is. Helped marshal at Flu Clinics. Calling lonely patients, some of which have lost loved ones and become recently bereaved. They are also helping out at the Covid Vaccine clinics. We look to the Champions to make suggestions and then discuss who would like to take part. Some of these activities have been put on hold because of Covid. But we would still like to start a Community Garden, Guided walks, the list is endless.
Altogether Better helps health services and local people find new ways of working together – making a difference to people’s lives, releasing new talents and resources, and improving services through a model of collaborative practice.
We are looking for willing local people to gift their time as health champions, working alongside the practice and our health professionals to reshape services, opening up new possibilities, working together to provide a range of innovative activities and support. In other words, a new way of seeing and doing things.
Expression of interest in becoming a Practice Health Champion
Email: [email protected]
If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a patient Health Champion. Please contact our Community Co-ordinator Paula Best [email protected] or call 01202 339054.
Patient Champions Feedback:
“It’s been lovely to talk to someone who’s been very lonely during the Pandemic – l’ve made a lifetime friend and hope I’ve made her life just a little bit easier.” – Susie
Volunteers for the Covid Vaccine Clinics
We very much rely on the volunteers to support at the Covid Vaccine Clinics. They help with the marshalling of patients and guide them in to receive their vaccination. They ensure we adhere to all the social distancing that is required, whilst patients are queuing and generally keeping everyone relaxed. The volunteers also help direct patients in the car park. The day is generally split into two sessions, with a morning session and afternoon session. The volunteer rota is arranged to cover these sessions. It is a friendly environment; we couldn’t run the Vaccine Clinics without their support. We get positive feedback about the volunteers and how helpful and friendly they all are.
Patient Health Champions - Hamworthy Surgery
This initiative currently started at our Hamworthy Surgery and we would like to roll this out across all 4 surgeries in the future. We have patients who volunteer their time to do things to help improve the practice and patient experience. They have done things like ‘Meet and Greet’ in reception and gathered feedback from other patients, which has been used to make some improvements to the practice. We have refurbished the seating area and installed an automatic door, asked patients to complete a form of who their next of kin is, helped marshal at Flu Clinics, called lonely patients, some of which have lost loved ones and become recently bereaved. They are also helping at the Covid Vaccine clinics.
We look to the Champions to make suggestions and then discuss who would like to take part. Some of these activities have been put on hold because of Covid. But we would still like to start a Community Garden, Guided walks, the list is endless.
If you are interested in finding out more about these two roles. Please contact our Community Co-ordinator Paula Best [email protected] or call 01202 339054.
