Last month, young people from across Plymouth came together to celebrate the first birthday of the Young Persons’ Patient Council (YPPC), a group that’s giving young voices a real say in shaping hospital care.
Since its launch, the Council has grown to 29 members, all passionate about improving the experience of children and young people in hospital. Founding members and new joiners gathered for a special meeting to reflect on achievements and look ahead to what’s next.
The Council is chaired by Lachlan Mitchell, a trainee Occupational Therapist who knows first-hand what it’s like to be a patient. Lachlan shared: “When young people are given the space to shape the healthcare that affects them, amazing things happen. Over the past year, we’ve grown to over 20 members, each bringing their lived experience, ideas, and energy. Together, our voices are driving real changes.”
So far, members have:
- Helped interview new staff
- Assessed and suggested improvements to hospital environments
- Shared ideas with clinical teams, including introducing a quiet hour on children’s wards
- Planned upcoming projects like menu tasting to improve food choices for young patients, in line with Sophie’s Legacy, and even speaking on hospital radio.
Lachlan added: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and excited about what’s ahead. We want to keep growing, keep challenging, and continue improving the hospital experience for young people – not just by being heard, but by being part of the solution.”
In this issue:
- Getting to know Neil Macdonald, Chief Executive
- We reached the highest point of the Plymouth Community Diagnostic Centre
- Groundbreaking ceremony marks start of construction for new Emergency Care Building
- Strengthening the Trust’s Social Value
- Official opening of the Dartmoor Building #ThinkUTC
- We treated the first patient in the UK with a new laser catheter for vascular disease
- Young Persons’ Patient Council Marks Its First Year of Making a Difference
- Improving Lives Plymouth showcase their support to patients beyond hospital care