The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is holding a meet and greet evening for prospective new 'patient ambassadors' in February.

Patien ambassador Monica Thomas talks to a member of the nursing team on Carnkie WardThe event, which will be held at the Knowledge Spa in Truro on February 20 from 6pm to 7.30pm, will give would-be patient ambassadors a chance to learn more about the role and how they can work alongside staff to improve patient care.

Patient ambassadors work in partnership with patients and staff on a voluntary basis to help shape services. There are a wide range of opportunities and current Patient Ambassadors have helped improve patient communications, ward environments, given feedback on hospital food and influenced service improvements.

Andrew MacCallum, nurse executive said: "We welcome all applications for new Patient Ambassadors and want individuals who share our values and desire to achieve excellence in all that we do."

Patient ambassadors serve a two year term, with the volunteer deciding what hours they can give. Training is provided.

Monica Thomas from Trurm, a current patient ambassador at the Trust, said: “I have always had very positive experiences in this hospital in terms of both myself and my family and when I retired I wanted to help by giving something back. This role was very relevant to what I had done in my working life where I’d spent 26 years working in the voluntary sector with carers.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Patient Ambassador role, please contact Pam Rabett or Shirley McIntyre on 01872 253034 or email: rcht.ppi@cornwall.nhs.uk