A launch event focused on improving patient experience and personalised care has marked the introduction of new ‘What Matters to Me’ boards across hospitals in Wolverhampton and Walsall.
More than 130 colleagues from The Royal Wolverhampton and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trusts attended the Eat, Drink, Dress and Move event where the boards were officially unveiled.
Funded by Your RWTC and Well Wishers, both Trust’s charities, the trial boards will be installed behind patient’s bed to help staff understand what matters most to each individual, supporting more compassionate and person-centred care.
The event featured a keynote address from national campaigner Tommy Whitelaw, who shared his personal experience of caring for his mother Joan, who lived with dementia.
His powerful message reinforced the importance of involving patients in decisions about their own care and ensuring their voices remain central to healthcare conversations.
Tommy, who serves as National Lead for Person Centred Voices at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland, has become widely recognised for championing carers’ rights and promoting the “What Matters to You?” approach across health and care services.
Speaking at the event in Wolverhampton, Tommy said: “No one should have a decision about their care without being involved in that conversation.
“Ask what matters, listen to what matters, do what matters.”
The “Eat, Drink, Dress, and Move to Improve” initiative encourages patients to maintain independence during hospital stays.
This approach emphasises keeping patients mobile, well-nourished, and clothed to prevent long-term health decline.
Opening the event, Deborah Hickman, Chief Nursing Officer for Wolverhampton, highlighted the opportunities created through closer collaboration between both Trusts.
She said: “This is the most transformative space we will be in for a long time as two Trusts together.
“There is a lot of opportunity to change the direction in which we travel.”
Throughout the day, staff explored how small changes can make a significant difference to patients during their hospital stay, with a strong focus on embedding personalised care into everyday practice.
Laura Brittain, Senior Sister for Paediatrics at Walsall Healthcare, said: “Today has been really thought provoking. It gives us time for reflection and allows us to go back to basics.
“We need to make sure we are always thinking about patients first and how they feel.”
Bronte Savage, Senior Sister for Cardiology at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, added: “We go into work every day like normal, but for the patient coming in, it is a massive day.
“That small detail with the implementation of the boards can make sure the patient feels important and cared about.
“It allows us to build a relationship with the patient straight away and make them feel like they matter.”
Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager for Your RWTC, said: “We are proud to fund the ‘What Matters To Me Boards’ trial at New Cross Hospital.
“We want to make patients feel like they matter when in hospital, and these boards will help that.”
Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager for Well Wishers, said: “The boards at Walsall Manor Hospital will help patients to feel like they have a voice and that is extremely important to us.
“We didn’t hesitate at the opportunity for the charity to be involved in this and we are thrilled to play our part.”