Post People - Elaine Clark

Elaine Clark age 53 from Roosevelt Road, Dagenham found a way to cope with her husband’s death by becoming a volunteer of Improving Patient Experience Group (IPEG).

Elaine co-chairs the committee and speaks for the patients at Queen’s Hospital.

When my husband John died in May 2008 from complications resulting from his diabetes, I needed something to focus on to cope with it.

That is when I decided to join IPEG in the September.

Having spent a lot of time in the hospital when John was ill, I saw a lot of things I liked and disliked.

I thought, “I could use my experiences to make something worthwhile. I can’t be bitter or turn the clock back, but I can work towards bringing change.”

IPEG is a hospital organisation and we discuss patient issues.

We can also invite members of staff to give their perspective and, if need be, we challenge what they say. It’s a very open relationship, no-one has ever refused an invite to a meeting.

Like a critical friend, we do not demand change. Instead we give our perspective from patient experience.

Sometimes we just have to point out that there needs to be a change in basic care – not all of it is about money 
issues.

Personally, I am so glad I am a part of the group. When John was ill I couldn’t say or question anything the doctors were doing. Now I have grown so much in confidence and done amazing things like speak to Parliament and on television.

I am listened to and I could never imagine that this would be the case. Out of something bad, I have done something positive and good. I never would have met the people I have met, or done these things.

I feel it is important to know what is going on around me.

As well as IPEG, I also volunteer as a school governor and I am director of a diabetes support group. I feel great knowing I am making a difference.

The committee is not about complaining, it is about changing things for the 
better. If anyone has any ideas, please contact the hospital.