Closing date 11 February 2022
Recent years and the past year in particular, have seen a remarkable change in how the NHS in Dorset has been able to provide elective (planned in advance) care. The challenge is to now design an elective care recovery programme to meet the health and well-being needs of Dorset’s population.
The NHS in Dorset is now developing a new pathway for musculoskeletal (MSK) services. MSK conditions are a group of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles and spine. We believe it is vital the views of our patients, carers and the wider public have the opportunity to provide their views, experience and feedback to develop services for the future.
For this reason, three new workstreams have been created:
Workstream 1 – Prevention, Early Intervention, Rehabilitation, and Long Term Conditions
Workstream 2 – Referral, Triage, Outpatients, and Clinical Pathways
Workstream 3 – Inpatient Orthopaedics
We are looking for six patient/public representatives (2 for each workstream), to be an integral part of developing each workstream. We welcome representatives with a range of ages, locations, and experience of MSK conditions so that we can ensure patient experience informs and influences MSK health care services.
Working as a volunteer public representative can be a very rewarding experience
The following guide provides detail on the responsibilities and what makes an effective patient/public representative.
Role responsibilities:
To provide advice, guidance, and challenge to inform the development of the MSK pathway and assist in the Elective Care recovery programme.
To reflect wider community views through knowledge and experience
Meetings:
Held virtually bi-monthly
Please come prepared to discuss focused topics having read any relevant paperwork circulated in advance
Bring any issues you feel need discussing following your feedback gathering
Effective public representatives:
Are well prepared
Work well with others
Understand the remit of the group and their own role
Have a basic understanding of the NHS
Willingly give around 2 hours per month
Ensure they maintain confidentiality of the issues and personal data they discuss
