New fund available to improve patient experience at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS, Oxleas Charity has launched a new fund to support projects aimed at improving the experience of people who use Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust services. Grants of up to £750 are available to support projects that are jointly developed by staff members and service users.
Neil Springham, Director of Therapies at Oxleas NHS, emphasised the importance of working together to improve patient and carer experience in health services. He stated, “This new fund is just one of the ways at Oxleas that we are increasing patient and carer involvement and spreading co-design and co-production across the organisation.”
Projects eligible for funding could include funding wellbeing activities on wards, special events and activities to mark seasonal or cultural events, as well as sports and arts activities. The grants must be used to enhance the experience of people using Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust services and their families, and should benefit at least three service users.
The application period for the Improve Fund is currently open and will close on 31 May 2023. Applicants are required to complete an application form (download it here), which must be developed jointly between staff members and service users or carers. The form should include information on the background and aims of the project, how the funding will be used, who will be involved, when the project will take place, and how the outcome of the project will be shared.
The grants are intended to promote service user involvement and co-development of projects between people using services and staff members. Successful bids will be informed of the outcome, and the funding will be arranged before the project takes place. After the project is completed, the bidder must provide photos and feedback on how the funds were used.
If you have a project idea to improve the patient and carer experience at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, please download the form and apply for the Improve Fund. If you have any queries, please email oxl-tr.involved@nhs.net.