The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust have introduced new “What Matters to Me” boards across their hospitals, including New Cross Hospital, following a launch event held on 22 May 2026. These boards are designed to be installed behind patient beds to help staff understand the individual needs of those in their care, promoting more compassionate and person-centred treatment.
More than 130 colleagues from both Trusts attended the unveiling, which was part of the “Eat, Drink, Dress, and Move to Improve” programme. This initiative encourages patients to maintain their independence, mobility, and well-being during their time in hospital. Debra Hickman, Chief Nursing Officer for Wolverhampton, opened the event and noted the importance of the partnership, stating: “This is the most transformative space we will be in for a long time as two Trusts together.”
The boards are funded by the Trusts’ respective charities, Your RWTC and Well Wishers. Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager for Your RWTC, said: “We are proud to fund the ‘What Matters To Me Boards’ trial at New Cross Hospital. We want to make patients feel like they matter when in hospital, and these boards will help that.”
The event featured a keynote address from national campaigner Tommy Whitelaw, who serves as the National Lead for Person Centred Voices at the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland. Whitelaw shared his personal experience of caring for his mother, Joan, who lived with dementia. Emphasising the necessity of patient involvement in clinical settings, he told attendees: “No one should have a decision about their care without being involved in that conversation. Ask what matters, listen to what matters, do what matters.”
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