How you could help improve region's ambulances

Director of nursing Caron Eyre said the trust had already acted on public suggestions

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) is looking for patients to give their views on how the service can be improved.

It is planning to set up a Patient Voice Group, which would be consulted on ways of making the service better.

Members would take part in four meetings a year, three online and one face-to-face.

Director of Nursing Caron Eyre said: "No idea is a silly one and you might be surprised that you are not alone in wondering if a small change would lead to a big improvement in how we care for you."

Who can apply?

WMAS has published the criteria for would-be volunteers, saying they must be:

• 18 years or older

• Not a current or previous member of staff (although volunteer staff may join the consultation group)

• Resident in the West Midlands - Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Coventry & Warwickshire and Birmingham & the Black Country

• Able to listen and discuss different perspectives with others in a constructive way

It says those applying should have direct experience of the service, whether they have had to dial 999 for an ambulance or being dealt with by the control room, or used the patient transport services it provides.

What sort of ideas do they want?

Ms Eyre said WMAS had already acted on ideas put forward by people using the service, and gave two examples.

"We now have blue lighting in the ambulances which young children find soothing and we have introduced a new way of helping non-emergency patients who need a sling to leave their homes," she said.

The Trust added: "If there is one thing that we know, it’s that we need to listen to you, our patients, so that we can further improve the service we provide."

Getting involved

Patients who want to be part of the new group can email WMAS for more information.

The trust stressed that existing channels of communication would remain for everyone in the region to have their say.

"This is not a replacement for our complaints and compliments service or the surveys we carry out from time to time; it’s a chance for people to come together, bounce ideas off each other and work with us to make real changes to our service,” said Ms Eyre.