We’ll soon be holding patient-led assessments of the care environment (PLACE) and we’re looking for volunteers to help us review and improve patients’ experiences at our hospitals.

PLACE assessments are held every year to look at what the hospital environment is like for patients, including all clinical areas. It starts in September and lasts for around 10 weeks.

The deadline for volunteer applications is Friday 30 August.

Why are volunteers needed?

PLACE feedback is a key consideration when designing and upgrading our hospitals to make sure we meet the needs of our patients.

Comments from our 2023 PLACE highlighted the lack of external signage for the antenatal unit in King George Hospital. We completed a review of the area and installed new signs closer to the hospital car park to make it easier for patients to find the unit.

In 2022, assessors noted we did not have a discharge lounge for patients at King George Hospital. We opened one earlier this year.

What will you be doing as a volunteer?

You will work with other patient assessors and Trust staff to evaluate several aspects of patient care, including:

• how clean the facilities are
• the food options available to patients on site
• the menu options available on the ward
• how well the privacy and dignity of patients is protected
• the maintenance of facilities both inside and outside
• how well the environment meets the needs of people with dementia
• how well the environment meets the needs of people with disabilities.

Who can become a volunteer?

Anyone can become a PLACE assessor, you don’t need any qualifications or experience and we will provide training to help you perform the role.

Our team of volunteer patient assessors includes former patients, their relatives, and local residents.  Please note you must not be an employee of the Trust or have worked for us in the past two years.

If you are interested in becoming a PLACE patient assessor, please complete the form below by Friday 30 August and we will get in touch with you.

PLACE volunteers sign up

Note: Questions marked by * are mandatory

*This is a mandatory field. First name

*This is a mandatory field. Last name

*This is a mandatory field. Contact email address

*This is a mandatory field. Contact phone number

*This is a mandatory field. Which sites would you be able to attend?

Queen's Hospital
King George's Hospital
Fanshawe Clinic