Readers' Panel
Would you like to help us make our communications clearer and more accessible for everyone in our communities? Join our Readers’ Panel and play a vital role in shaping the information we share with patients, service users and the wider public.
The Health Board is committed to engaging with, listening to, and learning from our patients, carers and communities. One of the ways we do this is through our Readers’ Panel, which helps us improve our communications and ensure they are easy to understand and meet the needs of everyone we serve.
What is Readers’ Panel?
The Readers’ Panel is a group of volunteer members from our Siarad Iechyd / Talking Health community (including patients and staff) involvement scheme. The Readers’ Panel members volunteer to read and comment on information that Hywel Dda staff write for their patients, service users and members of our communities.
This information may include:
- Guidance where to get support
- Patient information leaflets about medical conditions and treatments
- Letters
- Surveys
- Website information
- Scripts for videos
Being a member of Readers’ Panel requires no previous knowledge, as we would be asking for views on how the information is worded, how it is presented, if it is easy to understand and if it explains medical jargon. All members are free to comment on any aspect of the information that they feel needs improvement or praise.
Readers’ Panel volunteers are sent draft publications by email, or by post, to read to through, and are asked to submit their feedback via a survey link, usually within 3 weeks. More recently we have hosted an online version of the Reader’s Panel, giving members the opportunity to share their feedback in an online Teams session. Once we have received comments from the Readers’ Panel, they are sent to the original authors.
This is an opportunity for the author to check that any amendments which need to be made as a result of the comments received will not alter the meaning or accuracy of the text. Once the authors have given approval, the communication is put into circulation with a ‘Readers’ Panel assessed’ logo where appropriate.
Feedback and thanks from authors together with a copy of the final leaflet are sent to Readers’ Panel members.
Why do we need a Readers’ Panel?
In the Hywel Dda area there are many people with different communication needs, for example those with sensory needs or those for whom English is not their first language.
We need people to volunteer to be part of the panel so to ensure the information we publish meets the needs of our diverse community. It is important to us that we know we are using the right words, in the right way, to get our message across clearly.
In addition, feedback from patients and the public is an integral part of our quality assessment process.
How can I get involved with the Readers’ Panel?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Readers’ Panel, please join our Siarad Iechyd / Talking Health scheme by either:
- Click here to complete the registration form online(External link)
- Scan the QR Code to link directly to the registration form
You can find out more about the Siarad Iechyd Talking Health scheme here.
How can I get my information assessed by the Readers’ Panel?
If you are a member of the Hywel Dda UHB and would like to have your information assessed by the Readers’ panel, please contact us via email at: Hyweldda.Engagement@wales.nhs.uk
