Help shape a new health inequalities learning resource at QVH

Queen Victoria Hospital (QVH) is developing a new health inequalities learning resource for staff. By health inequalities, we mean unfair and avoidable differences in people’s access to healthcare, experience of care and health outcomes. The aim is to help our teams better understand the barriers some people face when accessing healthcare and how we can make our services more inclusive and equitable. 

We want to hear from people with lived experience of finding hospital care difficult to access or use. By sharing your experiences, you can help shape training and learning that will be used by QVH staff and leaders to improve care for patients and communities. 

Who can get involved? 

We are particularly keen to hear from people who have experienced challenges relating to: 

• Physical disabilities, learning disabilities or long-term health conditions 
• Mental health needs 
• Language, reading or writing difficulties 
• Homelessness or housing issues 
• Money, transport or digital access challenges 
• Feeling unheard, treated unfairly or excluded from healthcare services 

You do not need any medical knowledge to take part, just a passion to help us make a difference.. We would like to hear from people who have used hospital services such as outpatient appointments, day surgery or inpatient care, either at QVH or another hospital in Sussex. 

How will you be involved?

This project uses an Experience Based Co-Design approach, which brings together patients, communities and staff to improve services through collaboration. 

Taking part may include: 

• Sharing your experiences in simple, supported conversations or interviews 
• Helping us understand how health inequalities affect access to care 
• Influencing the development of learning materials for QVH staff 

We will work with participants to make involvement accessible and provide any reasonable adjustments needed. 

Time commitment

Taking part will involve around 8 to 10 hours in total between now and December 2026, with flexibility around your availability, both in-person and remotely. 

Payment and expenses 

We recognise the value of your time, expertise and lived experience. 

• Patient participants will be reimbursed for their time and expenses 

Further details can be discussed before you decide whether to take part. 

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, or simply have an informal conversation before deciding, please contact us by Friday 4 September 2026. 

Email: qvh.strategyengagement@nhs.net 

There is no pressure to take part, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

Every experience is unique, and we are keen to hear from as many different voices as possible to help shape meaningful improvements for patients now and in the future. This will help ensure the learning resource reflects the diverse communities we serve.