'Patient Champion' appointed for A&E departments

The health department has appointed a 'Patient Champion' for A&E to lead the drive for improvement by supporting NHS staff and patients.

Jonathan Asbridge, President of the Nursing & Midwifery Council and former Chief Nurse at St Bartholomews and the London NHS Trust, has been tasked to help assist and encourage staff to be responsive to the needs of patients and to act as a national spokesperson in promoting good A&E practice throughout the NHS.

In his first official engagement, Mr Asbridge today visited Homerton Hospital in London to speak to patients and the Modern Matron about the improvements they have already made and their views on the A&E service. The Modern Matron is a "highly visible member of staff in A&E who is accessible to patients and encourages new ways of working," says the health department.

Jonathan Asbridge said: "When they walk through the door of an A&E department patients will always see things differently to staff who work there everyday. By talking to patients about their experiences the NHS learns what matters most. We have already seen the benefits of this with many innovative improvements making A&E a better place to be. My role will be to listen to patients and support staff in making changes that improve A&E for everyone."

Health Minister Rosie Winterton said that the more than 11 million people per year who use England's A&E departments would see the benefits of the move.

She added: "We want to make A&E departments work better and see changes that make every patient feel as comfortable and confident as possible. That's why we set up our £2 million Patient Experience Fund, making £10,000 available to all A&E Modern Matrons to support this good work nation wide."

(gmcg)