MEET KGH'S GOVERNORS: Young people's voices are important for shaping health services in Northamptonshire, says governor

One of KGH's governors says young people's voices are important for helping to shape the county's health services.

The governors at KGH have teamed up with the Northants Telegraph to give our readers an insight into their role and the work they do.

Wendy Patel, nominated governor at Kettering General Hospital Trust representing Healthwatch, has written the latest in a series of pieces about the governors which we will be bringing to you in the coming weeks.

This article about Young Healthwatch is the final piece in a series of three.

Wendy told the Northants Telegraph: "Healthwatch understands how important the voices of young people are in shaping the service they use, to champion the voice of young people.

"Healthwatch Northamptonshire has a Young Healthwatch; a team of young volunteers aged 11 to 24 who collect information and views from a young perspective.

"Their role is to influence better health and well-being and improve services.

"They have conducted visits to the children’s wards at Kettering and Northampton Hospital and are actively involved with patient experience teams, where their views are valued.

"Young Healthwatch volunteers get a chance to meet new people, get valuable work experience, have a say in decision making, help to support causes such as young people’s mental health and develop real life skills.

"These opportunities and experiences are also invaluable in entering on a CV to demonstrate community activities.

"Therefore it can be helpful in applying for college and university places plus work."

To read the previous piece about Healthwatch from Wendy, click here.

If you have a question for the KGH governors, email it to [email protected].