Members of our Young Person Patient Council (YPPC) were given a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes and see how different hospital teams work together to support patient care, during a dedicated departmental tour held recently.

The visit brought together 10 Young Person Patient Council members, who spent their time meeting staff, asking thoughtful questions and learning more about the important roles that often happen away from public view.

The day began with a tour of Pharmacy, where the group met the pharmacy team. Council members learned about how medicines are prepared, checked and supplied safely, as well as the many checks in place to ensure patients receive the right treatment at the right time. The session sparked plenty of discussion about medication safety, communication and the different careers within pharmacy services.

After a short break, the group moved on to Theatres at Southwest Peninsula Children’s Surgical Unit, where they were welcomed by the theatres team. Here, council members gained insight into how surgical teams work together, the importance of preparation and teamwork, and what happens before and after an operation to keep patients safe and comfortable. The council members showed interest and asked questions regarding the intricacies and process from beginning to end of surgery.

Lastly, they visited Derriford Combined Labs, meeting laboratory team. This stop highlighted how vital laboratory services are in supporting diagnosis and treatment and helped demystify what happens to tests once they are taken. Many members were surprised by just how quickly results can be processed, and how closely labs work with clinical teams across the hospital.

The visit wrapped up just after midday, with time for reflection and discussion. Council members shared their thoughts, asked final questions and spoke about what they had learned from meeting staff face-to-face.

The tour was a valuable opportunity for staff to hear directly from young people about their experiences, questions and ideas, and for council members to better understand how different departments contribute to high-quality patient care.

A huge thank you to all the teams involved for giving their time, answering questions and making the visit so engaging. Opportunities like this help strengthen connections between staff and patients and ensure young people’s voices continue to shape how services are delivered.