(Image: Helen Smith Photography)
Patients and carers are being given the chance to help shape the future of NHS services in the North East through a new panel designed to put their experiences at the heart of decision-making.
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has launched a Patient Experience Panel and is encouraging people from across the region to get involved.
The panel will work closely with staff and senior leaders, offering input and feedback to inform improvements in care, communication, and service development.
Andrew Pike, quality and patient experience manager at NEAS, said: "Every patient experience tells us something valuable.
"Whether someone has received emergency care, used NHS 111, or supported a loved one, their insight can help us make meaningful improvements for future patients.
"We're looking for people from all walks of life to join the panel.
"You don't need any professional experience – just a willingness to share your experiences and work with us to improve care."
Panel members will meet every three months, either in person, online, or through a hybrid format, with flexibility to accommodate personal commitments.
NEAS will provide a full induction, ongoing support, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
The trust is especially keen to ensure the panel reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
It is encouraging applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.
This includes members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, those from ethnically or religiously diverse backgrounds, women, and serving or retired armed forces veterans and reservists.
The trust believes that broad representation will help ensure its services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all patients.
Anyone aged 18 or over who has recent experience of NEAS services, either as a patient or carer, is encouraged to apply.
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The panel's remit will cover a range of areas, helping influence everything from patient information and communications to new ideas, policies, and service developments.
Applications for the Patient Experience Panel are open until August 28, 2026.
Expressions of interest can be submitted online at the Health Jobs UK website.