People who have used the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) are being invited to play a direct role in improving NHS services by joining a new Patient Experience Panel.
The Trust is recruiting patients and carers from across the North East to become members of the panel, giving them the opportunity to work alongside staff and senior leaders to help shape future services.
The panel has been created to ensure the voices of patients and carers are at the heart of service improvement, helping influence everything from patient information and communications to new ideas, policies, and service developments.
Andrew Pike, quality and patient experience manager at NEAS, said: "Every patient experience tells us something valuable. Whether someone has received emergency care, used NHS 111, or supported a loved one, their insight can help us make meaningful improvements for future patients.
"We're looking for people from all walks of life to join the panel. You don't need any professional experience - just a willingness to share your experiences and work with us to improve care."
Members will meet quarterly, either in person, online, or through a hybrid approach, with flexibility to fit around personal commitments. A full induction, ongoing support, and reimbursement of reasonable expenses will be provided.
NEAS is particularly keen to recruit people from a broad range of backgrounds and communities so the panel reflects the diverse population it serves. This includes, but isn’t limited to,
- People from the LGBTQ+ community
- People with disabilities and long-term health conditions
- Those from ethnically and religiously diverse communities
- Women
- Serving or retired armed forces veterans and reservists
Anyone aged 18 or over who has recent experience of NEAS services, either as a patient or carer, is encouraged to apply.
Expressions of interest should be submitted by 28 August 2026 by visiting: https://