University Hospital All Ears

University Hospital staff are heading back out onto the streets of North Staffordshire to make sure patients and the wider public have a voice.

The Trust has set-up 10 Big Conversations with the first, on Thursday 20 August, to discuss how patients and the public can get involved in developments in the hospital. The 10 Big Conversations follow hot on the heels of last year's hugely successful Foundation Trust consultations and focus groups which were attended by people from across the area.

Mike Brereton, University Hospital Chairman, believes it is vital hospital bosses listen to the public face to face. He said: "Hundreds of thousands of people rely on University Hospital every year for medical care. Each and every one of them will have an opinion about the care they receive but many will simply keep their thoughts quietly to themselves. Previous events with the public have seen changes to the Trust's constitution, the design of the new cancer centre and increases in spending on cleaning. These 10 Big Conversations will give patients and the general public the chance to sit down with myself and members of my staff to tell us what really matters to them."

"We want to know what patients and the wider public want from their health service, both now and in the future. The Big conversations will be on the road and we will be going out into the community rather than asking people to come to us. By getting out and about our 10 Big Conversations will give the public the opportunity to debate issues like cancer services, end of life care and services for children. We really want to hear from you and the only way that can happen is if you come along to find out more," he added.

The first event will focus on how people can become involved and will take place at Tunstall Floral Hall. Anyone who wishes to attend can contact 01782 555577 or simply turn up on the day.

For further information or assistance please contact Sue Pantin, Communications Manager, on 01782 555400 or Andrew Ashcroft, Communications Manager, on 01782 555061. 

1. Below is a list which shows the topic, location, date and time of each of the 10 Big Conversations.

Getting Involved: Thur 20th August 2009, Tunstall Floral Hall, 9.30am-12.30pm

Quality and Safety: Mon 28th Sep 2009, Tunstall Floral Hall, 9.30am-12.30pm

An Accountable Hospital: Mon 5th Oct 2009, Leek Council Rooms, 9.30am-12.30pm

Emergency care and Older People: Mon 26th Oct 2009, Holy Trinity Church, Newcastle 9.30am-12.30pm

Cancer Services: Mon 9th Nov 2009, Kidsgrove, Victoria Hall, 9.30am-12.30pm

End of Life Care: Fri 13th Nov 2009, Kidsgrove, Victoria Hall, 9.30am-12.30pm

Stroke Services: Mon 7th Dec 2009, Penkhull Village Hall, 9.30am-12.30pm

Hospital Finances: Tues 9th Feb 2009, Walton Community Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm

Services for Children: Thurs 11th Mar 2009, Bentilee Neighbourhood Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm

Outpatients: Mon 22nd Mar 2010, Penkhull Village Hall, 9.30am-12.30pm