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: ā€œI 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 Iā€™d spent 26 years working in the voluntary sector with carers.ā€

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