Patients are helping to shape the future of a hospital department.

The success of the Cumberland Infirmary dermatology feedback group has been praised – particularly its role in ensuring children have a voice – as it continues to go from strength-to-strength.

Set up around three years ago, the patient participation group in the Carlisle hospital department allows those receiving treatment to talk to one another – as well as staff – about the care they have received. It means patients are able to pass on information about their experiences, both good and bad.

“We wanted to make sure as many people as possible were involved with the group,” explained Julie Bowman, lead nurse for dermatology at the Cumberland Infirmary.

“We believe the best way we can continue to make improvements is by listening to what our patients tell us.

“They’re the ones who are being treated and they’re the ones who can help to point us in the right directions.

“We believe it’s important they have a voice within the hospital.”

One of those who has joined the participation group is Tracey Tyson, whose daughter Alice suffers from xeroderma pigmentosum, an extremely rare, incurable skin condition that makes exposure to daylight, however weak, life-threatening.

“I was first made aware of the group about a year or so ago,” Tracey said. “I’d been coming in with Alice and we were asked if we wanted to go along and so we did.

“It’s been an excellent chance to have our say and listen to others. It’s been interesting to hear what other people have had to say and also tell them about our own experiences.”

Alice, who is 11, has also enjoyed speaking to staff at the meetings and talking to them about her treatment.

“She’s at that age now where she has plenty to say,” Tracey added.

“She’s more than happy to tell the nurses about how she feels, the other hospitals where she’s been treated and how things are going.”

A significant number of patients on the hospital’s dermatology unit are children, and Julie believes their input is particularly beneficial to staff.

“Having them involved with the participation sessions means that we’re able to get a wide variety of views from people of all ages,” she said.

“Alice is always happy to speak to us and tell us what she wants and what she doesn’t want.

“The fact of the matter is that we’re seeing more and more people requiring dermatology care, especially children.

“That’s why it’s important that we’re in regular contact with patients about the care that they’re being given to make sure we’re doing things right.”

Julie added: “The earlier we’re able to make a diagnosis, the better we’ll be at helping that patient manage the condition.”

There are also plans to refurbish the waiting area in the dermatology department, something else which patients will be able to have their say in.

“We want to make it as comfortable as possible for people coming in here,” Julie added. “The participation sessions give them the chance to have their input in that respect as well.

“More often than not the patient and their family will be coming in for long-term care, so it’s important that we make them feel comfortable.”

Carole Jordan, chairman of the patient panel different from the participation group, but linked , said the feedback given by those visiting the dermatology department has been excellent.

“They’re all very enthusiastic and want to help, rather than criticise,” she said.