Heartbeat: Embracing our future with Midland Met – putting patients first with SCaT engagement session

December 1, 2021

We recently hosted our first sickle cell and Thalassaemia (SCaT) engagement session. On National Thalassaemia Day, (19 October) the Trust welcomed patients, carers, and voluntary sector representatives, to discuss our model of care as we move into our new hospital and actively seek input on the things that matter the most to our patients.

Chief Executive, Richard Beeken opened the event, stating: “We provide the regional services for SCaT services, and we’re proud to do so. Today’s session is about our short, medium, and long term plans to improve the service.

“Our new hospital is the big strategic lever for changing clinical best practices and delivering better for our patients and carers. Today is an opportunity for you to explore with us what it’s all about – what it will look like, feel like, and how the services will change to fit within it.”

The event included the opportunity for Q&As and interactive group sessions. Groups split out, and there was lots of lively chatter about how to best shape the services we will provide at Midland Met.

Sadeh, a patient, told us: “I attended to hear the proposals and to share my opinions so we can work as one multidisciplinary team.” Another remarked: “I found it very useful – it was great to meet some of the other patients and speak to members of staff so that they could hear our voices about what we need from the new hospital.”