Involvement Matters

Our Service User Reference Group (SURG)

We recognise the value of service user and carer involvement, also known as public and patient involvement, and are fortunate that for many years we’ve been supported by our Service User Reference Group (SURG). The group connects academics and students with service users and members of the public who are willing to share their lived experience to promote best practice and enhance healthcare education.

The SURG group contribute to the School in many ways, including input during our curriculum design, being part of the interview panels for applicants, and enhancing our curriculum delivery.  The SURG group often kindly share their personal stories and different perspectives during lectures and seminars, which helps our students to understand the diverse needs and expectations of a wide range of people.  Their active involvement and unique insights into service delivery can encourage students to develop the right values, knowledge and attitudes when engaging and supporting the public.

SURG members also are involved in research opportunities that may require their expertise. Staff, working alongside SURG, can support students apply and relate theory and research into their practice. This means that engaging, sharing, and learning in the School is a joint endeavour, with service users, carers, students, academics, and practice colleagues working in partnership.

 

SURG Conference 2023

In 2023 we hosted a conference for our staff, students and SURG members.  During the day, participants listened to presentations and had discussions about the lived experiences of the SURG members.  After the event, we captured feedback from all those who attended, and it highlighed how beneficial the SURG group's involvement is for everyone in the School and for the members too.  Take a look an excerpt of this feedback in the video below.