Meet the Patient Safety Partners

This is an exciting new role within the NHS and as such we expect that the role will evolve over time. The main purpose of the role is to be a voice for the patients and community who utilise our services and ensure that patient safety is at the forefront of all that we do. You will need to be able to communicate rational and objective feedback focused on ensuring that patient safety is maintained and improved. 

You may attend governance meetings looking at patient safety, risk and quality, be involved with reviewing documentation including policies, investigations and reports. We would expect that you will be able to listen to and read complex information and provide feedback to ensure that patient safety is our priority. As the role evolves, we may ask you to participate in the investigation of patient safety events, assist in the implementation of patient safety improvement initiatives and develop patient safety resources. 

Yes! We will support you in your role and ensure you are provided with the tools and advice you need.  You will be managed by, and work alongside the Patient Safety Lead Nurse for the Trust. They will be able to explain the expectations of the role and provide support required.  You will have regular scheduled reviews with your manager and regular one-to-one sessions with our Patient Safety Lead Nurse. You will also be part of a team of Patient Safety Partners who will be able to provide peer support to you. 

This role will be paid in accordance with the NHS England involvement payment guidance of £150 for 8-10 hours per month plus additional travel expenses as required. 

You will need to complete mandatory training which includes (amongst other things) general data protection regulations, equality and diversity and safeguarding.  These training sessions will help you in your role and may be useful in other roles you choose to take on. Depending on your current experience and knowledge further training will be provided as required. 

At present we are looking for 8 to 10 hours per month.  However, this is negotiable depending on your circumstances and will be discussed and agreed on an individual basis. 

Your placement as a volunteer Patient Safety Partner will be reviewed after one year. After this review you may continue in this role, step down or may be offered a different placement within the organisation. 

Experience is not essential.  However, we ask that you have a genuine desire to support patient safety improvement. We are looking for people who represent the needs and interests of users of our services. You will need an awareness of the experiences and perspectives of our communities. For example, people that find it difficult to access health services because of financial issues, health conditions or accessibility needs

You will be the voice of the public, ensuring that our Trust is focused on patients, service users, carers, families, and prioritising patient safety in all that they do.

No, this is not essential.  However, being able to travel to Liverpool Heart and Chest NHS Foundation Trust sites regularly will be required for some face-to-face meetings, training and briefings/debriefings. 

First and foremost, you should be interested in supporting patient safety and passionate about helping the NHS. That is the chief purpose of this role.  We encourage applications from everyone, regardless of age, gender, ability, sexuality, ethnicity, or any other protected characteristic. We believe a diversity of voices and experiences will help us to understand and achieve more. 

If you require any support with your further interest, please contact psirf@lhch.nhs.uk