Join our online patient and carer reference group

As a member of the group, you will have the opportunity to:

• share your experiences directly with our team
• help shape the new building and the services it will offer
• help design a centre that meets people's needs
• connect with other patients and carers in a supportive online group

The group started in 2019, and reformed last year. We are looking for 6 to 8 new members to form a group of 10 to 12 people.

The group meets online every 3 months, using Microsoft Teams. The group will meet until the programme ends in summer 2030.

Meetings usually take place from 5:30pm to 6:30pm during the week. They will last 1 to 2 hours.

Occasionally, we may also organise face-to-face meetings.

Key aspects of this role are to:

• attend group meetings and prepare for them by reading any documents that are circulated in advance
• bring your perspective as a patient or carer to discussions and decision-making
• help represent the wider needs and experiences of people who use orthopaedic services
• voice opinions constructively and present views clearly
• respect and consider the views of other people
• work together as a member of the group

Support we offer to patient/carer members includes:

• an online 'meet the team' session before you join the group to discuss what the group does, any questions you have and any support you may need
• a named member of staff who is also a member of the group, will be your main contact
• information for each meeting will be sent in advance, allowing you to ask questions before meetings
• advice and support using Microsoft Teams
• reimbursement of reasonable expenses

In line with our Trust policy, we offer to reimburse any reasonable expenses you may incur as a member of the group. For example:

• childcare and/or other paid carer costs
• additional internet data used

The rates of expenses are capped according to Trust policy. If you need more information, please ask us.

If you would like to become a member of the patient and carer reference group, please complete the online expression of interest form by Friday 19 February 2026.

After the closing date, we will review all the forms and we will select 6 to 8 people who have different experiences and backgrounds as orthopaedic surgery patients and carers.

We will email or phone you to:

• invite you to join the group, or
• tell you that, on this occasion, you have been unsuccessful

We may also contact you for an informal chat with members of the team.

If you're successful and invited to join the group we will arrange an online ‘meet the team’ session.

We then look forward to welcoming you to your first patient and carer meeting in April 2026 via Microsoft Teams.