By KSS YPAG,
The Kent, Surrey & Sussex Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) group met on Saturday 24th January in Brighton. They heard a presentation from Patricia Velazquez-Ruta, a Nurse Practitioner at East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and lead for the Little Platypus Initiative Project
The initiative offers children and young people undergoing surgery the option to wear a fabric surgical cap, which they can choose from the 6 or more designs, and the anaesthetic team matches. Which means when the patient arrives to theatres, the team welcomes them with the same cap, aiming to reduce anxiety and include the patient as part of the team. You can read a BBC news article about the project here.
Patricia and her colleague Gill, a volunteer for the project, presented the group with samples of the surgical caps and other prototype handsewn items for the young people’s feedback. The group also reviewed the project’s letter of invitation and evaluation form for participants. The YPAG gave feedback on how the project could be more inclusive and wider reaching such as engaging those with neurodivergence.
Patricia said “I really enjoyed the experience and look forward to coming back and continuing learning from the group”.
GOSH YPAG member Juliette marks Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week at the ‘Know Yourself: Adolescents Asking Experts About Mental Health’ event
Esme, Nicke and Freya explore research at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH).
This is a group activity that tests young people#’s knowledge about health research, as well as their steadiness of hand!
