Patient Representative Council

Patient Representative Council

 

The Patient Representative Council plays a crucial advisory role within the hospital, offering staff valuable insights into the patient experience. It actively contributes to the development of policies, quality improvements initiatives, research projects, and the design of new or refurbished facilities.  The council also plays a key part in creating information leaflets and educational programs for staff. Beyond its internal contributions, it provides peer support to other patient groups and members sit on various hospital committees and working groups. 

The role of the Patient Representative Council is to

• Serve as an advisory resource for hospital staff and help them to see the hospital from patient perspectives
• Review and contribute to policy and programme development, quality improvement and research projects, service improvements, development of new facilities or refurbishments, information leaflets and staff educational programmes
• Provide peer support to similar patient groups within the hospital
• Represent the Patient Representative Council on hospital committees and working groups
• Reach out to other Patient Councils nationally and internationally for shared learning
• Work in partnership with clinicians and managers in the hospital

Meet some of our Patient Representative members:

 Christina Solon

“I am a laryngectomy patient as a result of cancer and a member of the Patient Representative Council for approximately two years. I have been attending St James’s Hospital since 2016 and I have observed different things as a patient. By joining the PRC, I feel I can help in some small way. My goals are to see patients getting the best care publicly and privately, to ensure that patients are not just a number, and that follow-up care is made easier.

Our goal in the PRC is to help out people at their most vulnerable first, and make their pathway as easy as possible using our own experiences to try to bring change. I hope the PRC can help to bring this change in lots of areas and can help to bring openness and accountability to all patients and staff.”

Chris Murray (no photo)

“I have been a cardiology patient since 2022 and a member of the Patient Representative Council for approximately 18 months. Cardiology research is an expanding area. I am involved in PPI (patient and public involvement) in a heart failure group. I am also a member of the RCSI Research Methodology Group. I am interested in seeing cutting-edge research in cardiac care translate into hospital settings, which I feel can only benefit the patient. As both a patient and a member of the PRC, I value excellence in treatment and care.”

Joe Bowden

“I have been a member of the Patient Representative Council for six fantastic years and have been attending St James’s Hospital for ten years where I receive wonderful treatment and support. When I heard about the PRC it seemed like a good way to give a little back to the hospital for all I received in ongoing care, some quite complex, and it is my way of helping other patients. I have a keen interest in diabetic illness and its many effects on the body, from which I also have developed a strong interest in the subject of antibiotics the use and over use of them.

My number one goal within the PRC is to listen to the patient and strive to make things better for all of us, while also supporting our wonderful medical teams in any way possible, and not forgetting all the support staff who are vital to the running of the hospital.”

Shola Mary Arajuwa

“I have been receiving treatment at St James's Hospital since 2018 for a genetics chronic disease. The care and support I have received is truly exceptional. The dedication and professionalism of the staff at St James's has made a significant difference in maintaining my health, and I am immensely grateful to them.

I joined the Patient Representative Council in 2023 and it has been a life-changing experience. The support and camaraderie within the group has been nothing short of amazing. I feel like I have found a second family in the PRC and the relationships I have built with everyone there is truly special. I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the wonderful care I have received at St James's and the incredible support I have found in the PRC. Thank you all for being a part of my journey.”

 Damien Nee

“I joined the Patient Representative Council in 2017, having had a lifesaving heart bypass on St Patrick's Day of that year. I was motivated to join, as the hospital was short of ICU beds and I thought, maybe extra grateful patient input might help with change. I also wanted to, in some small way, contribute to the future of those that had given me a future.”

I have a specific interest in improved ways of dealing with prostate cancer. I would like to see a single point of contact for patients with all cancers who could coordinate between different departments, especially when it comes to getting test results and scans in a timely fashion. The PRC members continuously engage with St James’s hospital staff to develop an improved working relationship for better patient outcomes. The PRC, with the good humoured and efficient Patient Experience Office staff are like family, and I feel very privileged to be part of that.”

Ciarán O’ Melia

“I’ve been attending St James’s Hospital for over 20 years. During one of my regular hospital visits, I spotted a poster for the Patient Representative Council and I joined in September 2022. Following the Covid pandemic, I was looking for something to allow me to contribute to and engage with in the hospital and I thought this could be that.

The areas that are of interest to me are accessibility (in its many forms); trauma informed care (the need to understand a patient’s life experiences in order to deliver effective care and have the potential to improve patient engagement, treatment and health outcomes), good design and design thinking; ethics and the wellbeing of others.

As a member of the PRC, I feel it is important that the voice of both the patient and the staff member is heard and understood. Communication is vital, it’s how we connect and learn, and help each other to get better and live our lives fully. The space that the PRC gives to that is an important part of and reminder to the hospital.”

Séa Ó Neachtain

My name is Séa Ó Neachtain.  I have been a patient in various departments  in SJH since  2012 I  became a member of  the PRC in January 2025.   I found out about the PRC In the course of a conversation with a member.  He personally asked if I would be interested in joining them. My main interest is to ensure there is a smooth delivery of services delivered to all patients.

Education around patients’ medical conditions and the services providing support to patients is something I want to know more about. it is important to have  effective mediation and problem solving are all crucial for a well-functioning healthcare system. I feel it is important as a member of the PRC to be  realistic, honest, open minded and the need to be fair.  We need to be willing to learn, while at the same time, remembering all that has been, what is being done for me, and my fellow patients.

We also need to recognise that though no healthcare system is perfect and feel it is better to observe and scrutinise the nature of a system, with a view to identifying and understanding its flaws, for the purpose of identifying realistic simplified remedies. Fairness also ensures that all voices are heard and respected, which is essential for a collaborative between the PRC and the hospital.

If you, or a member of your family are interested in joining, or would like more information, please contact

personcentredcare@stjames.ie or 01-4103249

SJH Patient Representative Group Strategy 2021 to 2026