Introducing ELFT’s Service Users and Carers’ Health and Safety Group

Richard Harwin, Health, Safety, Security and Emergency Planning Manager, and Adrian Curwen, Corporate People Participation Lead, created the group together in September 2023.

The aim of the group, that is thought to be the first of its kind within the NHS, is to review East London NHS Foundation Trust’s measures to ensure the health and safety of patients and staff. Recommendations by the group are then actioned and publicised through the Trustwide Health, Safety and Security Committee.

The group meet monthly online for one hour and a half, which has been extended from the initial hour due to passion and interest with an average of 12 to 15 regular attendees. The team has also gained positive feedback on their work.

Main achievements include Operation Cavell, co-producing a CCTV policy, guest speakers being held to account with engaging discussions, and having a standing agenda item at the Trustwide Health and Safety committee.

Looking ahead, all members are given risk officer training with plans for future sessions being co-delivered to staff. The group are planning to do a co-review of the Trust’s Health and Safety audit, joint Health and Safety inspections, and produce a patient/carers’ leaflet for Operation Cavell.

Richard explained how the group was formed and said: “The Trustwide Health and Safety committee monitored Health and Safety for staff but our service users would experience similar hazard/risks especially on our wards where some may stay for a longer period of time.

“It was only right that we should form such a group which could raise issues, monitor data and adopt measures to ensure health and safety of our patients whilst they are recovering.”