Show your love of The QEH this Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, The QEH is calling on more young people to show their love of our hospital and interest in healthcare by becoming members of our evolving Youth Council.

Six new youth councillors are being sought, with a deadline for applications on 3 March, 2025.

This Youth Council is designed aims to make sure young people’s voices are heard by hospital decision-makers, by giving 16- to 25-year-olds a say in how care is provided right now and in the future from the exciting new hospital which will begin construction in 2027/28.

It was set up last year and its first five members are now looking for more people to join them.

They are:

• Jack, a trainee midwife from King’s Lynn
• Kaci, from King’s Lynn, who works in digital administration at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• Libby, from Holbeach, who is doing her T-levels and is working in administration as part of her work experience at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• A-Level student Kelly, from Holt, who is interested in a career in psychology.
• Fellow A-Level student Rosie, who lives near Fakenham, who wants to work in health and care.

Anyone wishing to join them can find out more, download the application forms and find out more about the council at https://teamqehyouth.co.uk/apply/

Application packs can be downloaded from the website and completed forms need to be sent to enquiries@healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk by 5pm on March 3.

QEH Board member and Non-Executive Director William Van’t Hoff, who is helping to steer the project, said: “We have had some really productive discussions already and the Youth Council is now thinking about what areas to consider first.

“We are looking forward to welcoming up to six more young people. Anyone is welcome to apply as long as they are aged between 16 and 25, and live in the area served by the hospital.”

The Youth Council has been created by The QEH in partnership with Healthwatch Norfolk, which gathers the views of patients and those who use care and share it with organisations to help shape services.  

Alex Stewart, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to have a say in the services and care being provided and make sure it is right for them.

“It is also a chance to experience being part of a major employer, develop teamwork and communication skills, and also demonstrate dedication and commitment to universities, colleges and future employers.”

Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216.

For more information about the Youth Council, log onto https://teamqehyouth.co.uk/

For further information, please contact John Bultitude, Healthwatch Norfolk head of communications and marketing, on John.Bultitude@healthwatchnorfolk.co.uk or 07467 145412.

Click here to download the press release and photo.