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Young People to be more involved in NHS

Posted on 12 September 2002

A groundbreaking national conference aimed at involving more young people in the decisions the NHS makes is to be held by the University of York later this month (Friday 20 September).

Researchers in the University's Social Policy Research Unit have already found that youngsters want a 'listening culture' and that they would like medical staff to be approachable and to act on their concerns.

Involving young people is seen as a particularly progressive move, but something that may daunt health staff working with them. The conference comes at a time when the NHS is trying to involve all patients more in decisions both about their treatment, and broader care issues.

The conference will hear of updates in national policy, learn about evidence from relevant research, and find out about the experiences of adults and young people who have already worked together to improve local health services.

Speakers include:

  • Professor Al Aynsley-Green, the Department of Health's National Clinical Director for Children who is responsible for the Government's National Service Framework for Children
  • Nottingham City Hospital Youth Committee
  • Young people from three health projects in North-East England
  • Di McNeish, Head of Research and Development at Barnardos

Researchers from the University of York will talk about their work on guidelines for NHS staff on involving young patients in service development; City University researchers will discuss consultation with local youngsters on health services; and researchers from Royal Holloway, University of London, will outline their work on involving children as partners in clinic decisions.

The one -day conference, 'Involving Young Patients in the NHS' is on Friday 20 September at the York Viking Moat House Hotel. It is organised by the University of York's Social Policy Research Unit which can be contacted on 433594 or email lam7@york.ac.uk to book a place.

Social Policy Research Unit: www.york.ac.uk/inst/spru/

Notes to editors:


Contact details

David Garner
Senior Press Officer

Tel: +44 (0)1904 322153