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Patient Forum

 

The following are the main functions of the Patient Forum, but these are subject to change as the membership develops:

  • Contribute to setting priorities for the improvements needed in the quality of care of service to patients in the communities served by the CUH Group from the patient perspective.
  • Contribute to the design of projects aimed at achieving improvement in the quality of service of patients and participate in carrying out projects when feasible. Advise the CUH staff on ways to obtain information from patients and families about their experiences of receiving care in the CUH Group.
  • Review and advise on the usefulness from a patient perspective of information packages including leaflets and other educational materials that are intended for patients or their families.
  • Advise the staff of the CUH Group on activities to enhance communication between patients and their families and CUH services
  • Advise on how best to educate the public on changes in CUH services e.g. Capital developments, services for those with a disability, car parking, security etc.
  • Liaise with existing groups in the community that represent patient interest.
  • Visit facilities in the CUH Group and make observations about the suitability of the facilities from the patient perspective.
  • Agree priorities for each term of office and membership term. To recognise the finite ability of the HSE budget and work with CUH Group management to realise real improvements based on financial ability.
  • Advertise and highlight the role of the Patient Forum in the CUH Group to all staff groups in the CUH via the agreed committee channels.

The CUH Group would expect the Patient Forum committee to be represented on all major aspects of the organisation and be central to the evolving Clinical Governance Framework.

Members of the Patient Forum will be appointed by a panel of 3 individuals, a designated representative of the CUH Clinical Governance Committee, a representative of the CUH Patient Affairs/Advocacy department and a senior member of the CUH Group staff. The Patient Forum will consist of 12 members, which includes the Clinical Governance Representative. All members may not be appointed at the same time, in order to provide for continuity of the work of the Patient Forum.

Applications for membership of the Patient Forum will be received from members of the public who have direct experience of patient care in any of the facilities that are part of the CUH Group. Advertisements for membership will be placed in local newspapers and distributed through other existing mechanisms for reaching the public. Qualified candidates will be vetted and interviewed and will take up appointment at the AGM in April of each year.

Employees of the HSE and members of governmental bodies will be excluded from considerations as members of the Patient Forum with the exception of the Clinical Governance Representative. Individuals selected to be members of the Patient Forum will be expected to make a commitment to attend at least 75% of the scheduled meetings per year and to participate actively in the activities agreed by the Forum members.

Members of the Patient Forum will be asked to agree to a length of appointment, maximum 2 years. Members of the Patient Forum will be requested to sign a confidentiality agreement on taking up membership.

The Patient Forum can be contacted through the Clinical Governance Office at CUH.