Children’s Commissioner visits patients to hear their views
Our Children’s Hospital recently welcomed Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel De Souza as part of the national Big Future Survey, which is asking children all over the country about their views on life today and how to improve it for future generations.
Dame Rachel was greeted by the Trust’s C hief Executive , Matt Boazman, alongside Ruth Wilkin, Chief Officer for Partnerships and Corporate Affairs, before spending time meeting staff, patients and families across the hospital.
During her visit, she met with families on Ward 15, the hospital’s specialist General Paediatrics and Respiratory ward, where young patients and their loved ones shared their experiences of long-term hospital care.
She also toured the hospital’s new MediCinema, a state-of-the-art facility funded by the Charity, which gives patients the chance to enjoy the big screen experience .
At the MediCinema, Dame Rachel met members of the hospital’s Young Persons Advisory Group (YPAG), made up of former patients, siblings and members of the community. The group took part in thoughtful discussions about childhood, healthcare and future career opportunities, contributing valuable insights to the Big Future Survey.
Dame Rachel de Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “It was a privilege to visit Birmingham Children’s Hospital and meet the incredible children, families and staff who are part of such a caring community. I was moved speaking with Maya and Bilal, who shared their experiences of long-term treatment with such honesty and strength, and enjoyed seeing the new MediCinema which brings normality and joy to patients, friends, and family.
“Hearing directly from young people in Birmingham has once again reinforced why The Big Future survey is so important, and I’m looking forward to hearing many more voices from across the country.”
