With support from Moorfields Eye Charity, the Patient Experience Team officially launched the Moorfields Youth Forum with their first meeting this May. So far, children and young people aged 9 – 21 years old have joined the Youth Forum, from across Moorfields sites. Those who could attend the first meeting shared their views, and ideas on:
Oriel transition – FAQs for children and young people
New resources to support children and young people transitioning into adult services
Moorfields ‘See the whole person’ Patient Experience Principles – encompassing the child and young person voice
The UK Government national consultation on ‘growing up in a digital world with a long-term health condition’
Open to patients aged 8 to 25, the forum brings together children and young people to share their experiences of receiving care at the hospital — and to help shape how services look, feel, and work in the future.
The inaugural session covered a packed agenda. Members gave feedback on the hospital's patient experience principles, contributed to discussions about the planned move to Moorfields' new Oriel site in 2027, and weighed in on the "Ready Steady Go Hello" transition programme for young people moving from paediatric to adult services. One member described the day as "really fun, an interesting experience in which I felt listened to and comfortable / treated maturely."
The forum is built on a simple but important premise: that young patients have direct, lived experience of what works and what doesn't, and that their perspective is too valuable to leave out. Decisions about hospital services have historically been shaped by adults alone — the Youth Forum is designed to change that. Another member summed up the feeling of the day: "So fun to be able to contribute and feel like we are making an impact."
For those who join, the benefits extend beyond the hospital itself. Members gain new skills and confidence, experience working as part of a team, and earn certificates and references recognising their involvement. Travel costs are covered for in-person sessions, and leadership roles are available for older members who want to take on more responsibility.
You can read a report written by the Youth Forum members or you join the youth forum today!
The Youth Forum remains open to new member applications so please do invite patients aged 8 – 25 years old to register their interest – you can find all the details here: http://bit.ly/moorfieldsyf