Opportunities to become involved Belfast Trust aims to improve services through meaningful involvement with patients, service users, family cares and communities. In addition to being involved in your own care or treatment, or that of the person you care for, the following opportunities for involvement exist. If you decide to become involved you are eligible to claim out of pocket expenses. Opportunity for Involvement Who should be involved? What is the commitment? Who do I contact for more information? Board Meetings The Board holds approximately six meetings in public each year. Details of the Board members, the meeting dates and Board Minutes are available at The DHSS&PS appoints directors, with the approval of the Minister for Health, Social services and Public Safety. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of the at 10am and anyone can attend. Marion Moffett, tel. 9504 0115 Opportunity for Involvement Who should be involved? What is the commitment? Who do I contact for more information? Public Consultations The Trust welcomes comments from anyone on public consultations One-off comment or meeting All consultations are advertised in the local press and are on the Trust’s website at
If you would like to be added to the consultation list, please contact Lesley Jamieson on 9504 8734 or email PPI Standing Forum This is an open forum which can be attended by any service user, family carer or simply with an interest in the work of the Trust The Trust’s Standing Forum will meet twice per year. There are clear terms of reference and the Forum has a role in planning and monitoring PPI activity within the Trust 2 meetings per year For further information contact Sandra McCarry, Senior Manager for Community Development and PPI, tel. 9504 6739 Carers Reference Group This group works to raise the profile of carers and promote partnership working between carers and BHSCT staff at all levels To apply to become a member of this group people must be 18 years of age The current of an individual who uses Belfast HSC Trust services Entitled to a carers assessment Meets every 6-8 weeks For further information contact Sandra McCarry, Senior Manager for Community Development and PPI, tel. 9504 6739 or Margaret McDonald, Carers Co-ordinator, tel. 9504 6702 Lynne Calvert, Carers Co-ordinator, tel. 9504 6108 Opportunity for Involvement Who should be involved? What is the commitment? Who do I contact for more information? Maternity Services Liaison Committee This is a forum for maternity services users and those who work with them, to represent the views of Any users of the service and representatives of support organisations of service users, such as Sure Start Meets every 8 weeks If you have an interest in maternity care and would like to join this group, please telephone
mothers to the Trust. The aim is to work together to design and improve services in response to the needs of women. Opportunity for Involvement Who should be involved? What is the commitment? Who do I contact for more information? HIV Service User Forum The HIV Service User will provide a platform for partnership working and engagement between Trust services, service users and relevant support agencies in order to improve services All current service of BHSCT HIV services Meetings are held approximately 5 times a year Gynae Service Users Forum To provide a user perspective in the development of service plans, policies, procedures, guidelines and pathways and Any current of gynaecological services in Belfast HSC Trust Meetings are held approximately 4 times a year If you are interested in becoming involved please contact Esther McCartney, tel. 9504 7321
develop a gynae network, to highlight good practice, make recommendations for improving services and develop links with other relevant groups and organisations Neurology Patient and Carer Forum This provides opportunities for regular and detailed engagement for patients and families who access the Neurology Service. Furthermore, the Forum provides input regarding Neurology and Neurodisability services from a client perspective across Northern Ireland. It helps to inform services planning within BHSCT and within the voluntary sector. All service users and their family carers Meets every three months For further information contact Sandra McCarry, Senior Manager for Community Development and PPI, tel. 9504 6739 Gender Identity Service User Panels Any current users of the Gender Identity Service (Brackenburn Clinic) – service users are contacted once a As and when issues Please contact the Gender Identity Clinic at tel 028 9063 8854