Agenda item

To update the Committee on the work undertaken in partnership with Charing Cross Hospital.

Matt Ayres (Hospital Director – Charing Cross Hospital), Jenny Parker (Action on Disability Co-Producer) and Jack Hill (Action on Disability Trustee & Co-Producer) introduced the report which outlined work undertaken at Charing Cross Hospital alongside Action on Disability (AoD). A report went to Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee in 2024 from AoD that outlined their experience of using the NHS. Representatives from Action on Disability visited the Hospital to provide input on ways it could be made more accessible. Key findings from these visits included poor signage and inconsistent wayfinding, long waiting times and lack of quiet areas, Physical barriers (corridors, toilets) and limited wheelchair access, staff were generally open to feedback, the radiotherapy team were praised for person-centred care. Suggestions made included clear signage and improved navigation, sensory-friendly waiting areas, refresher disability awareness training for staff and ongoing involvement of Disabled residents in redesign.

Victoria Brignell expressed thanks to all those involved in the process.

Councillor Genevieve Nwaogbe mentioned that some staff that made mistakes were doing it from a good place, for example cleaners thought they had been addressing trip hazards by tidying away pull for help cords. Matt Ayres stressed the importance that involvement of people had and stressed that those delivering training needed to engage directly with patients. Jenny Parker emphasised the importance of starting with patients at the beginning of the process and commencing training as soon as staff began working.

Councillor Genevieve Nwaogbe noted positive feedback and referred to a case involving a radiotherapist. Jenny Parker explained that when staff had spoken to them, they acknowledged that the changing room was small and had offered an alternative area that was larger. Jenny Parker added that some staff were unfamiliar with the sunflower lanyard and its meaning, which indicated the need for awareness of what to look out for.

Fiona Bateman referred to the fact that AoD had a meeting upcoming with architects, she felt they would have gained significant learning from this experience and mentioned that they should submit their new designs for architectural awards. Matt Ayres cited this as a good example of giving people permission to act, such as architects engaging directly with patients. Jack Hill observed that the legally required minimum was often insufficient for most disabled people.

Jim Grealy mentioned the Acute Board in Common meetings that take place every 3 months, and that there is always a patient story. He felt that what had been done at Charing Cross would make decision makers think differently about the way to run health services. He added that AoD should contact the acute board and provide information on their learnings as AoD are in the best position to share learnings and needs regarding disabled residents.

Councillor Alex Sanderson thanked all involved and queried whether co-production would be governed and whether there were links between this and other Imperial sites. Matt Ayres responded that the team had decided to proceed without delay but acknowledged that sustaining progress required more than enthusiasm. A volunteer programme was being developed to spread the initiative throughout the trust.

Councillor Lydia Paynter suggested stepping back to consider what could have improved the process undertaken. Jenny Parker stated that identifying where to start was crucial and noted that without an AoD user, support would not have been possible. Jenny Parker questioned how many panels included a wide range of disabilities from the outset and referred to the role of the patient liaison service. Jack Hill concluded by stressing the importance of having someone like Matt Ayres, who had listened to challenging feedback.

RESOLVED That:

The Health and Adult Social Care Policy and Accountability Committee noted the report.