.......I am currently looking for a full time challenge in an energetic and fun environment. I want to use my design skills to have a positive impact on today’s society by solving social and environmental problems that exist through our changing lifestyle. I am especially interested in using design thinking and processes to co-create and improve user experiences within public services and create new opportunities within the public sector.

news

12.06.2008, NEXT STEPS

After a full day spent at the unit and a good discussion and mini brainstorming session with Dr Hegarty the renal consultant we had devised a good action plan and specific areas to approach. Some of these are

-Re-designing the waiting areas to make them more accessible and engaging for the patients.

-Creating a new sign system to provide better flow throughout the unit and more visual focus

-Creating a community notice board, and inspiration wall where patients and staff can express themselves and feedback on what they would like to see and do within WRU in the future

-Work directly with patients to understand how their treatment experience can be more enjoyable, and involve them with the changes that will be made.

-Run a short workshop to help the nurses pinpoint the problems within their staff areas and come up with accessible solutions. At the same time teaching them simple service improvement methods for them to carry out themselves in the future.

Since visiting the Renal Unit for the first time I have bee preparing for my next visit to implement some of the more visual changes, run activities with the patients and workshops with the staff.

This project has been fab so far, I love the work I’ve been doing, working alongside the staff and patients has been incredible, and seeing them get excited about the ideas and being involved with the design process is great, they really deserve to feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement for their attitudes and enthusiasm.

23.05.2008, VISITING WIGAN RENAL UNIT

Yesterday i visited Wiagn renal Unit, which is a Satellite of Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust which provides patients with renal dialysis closer to their home without having to go into hospital.

I spent the day doing observations and chatting to patients and staff to about their experiences at the unit.. Whist i was there i realised what a niche service this is for the patients, they use it three times a week, there start to finish user journey is very methodical, it can often take up to 7 hours, and they are dependant on it to keep them alive….I have never experienced a service that is such an important part of someones lives.

Throughout the day i recieved lots of good ideas and feedback, some of the next steps will be to look at how to get the younger dialysisers back into work or give them work experience, bringing in volunteers to the unit, teaching nurses service improvement skills and carrying out workshops to
co-design solutions around some of the comfort issues in the unit......more will be coming soon!

21.03.2008, CO-DESIGNING RENAL SERVICES

I have just been connected through Martin Bontoft to run a project in Wigan Renal Unit. The project involves co-designing solutions to improve the patient experience whilst they recieve their regular dialysis treatment. I am working along side the renal consultant, patients, doctors and nurses to harness they're creativity and achieve the best possible outcomes. I can't wait for my first visit!

10.03.2008, THE ORANGE DOG COMPANY

I am currently in the process of working with a new business called the orange dog company. I am developing their service experience, branding, advertising and website. At present the business aims to provide a high end dog walking service, with the plan to expand in the future!