Written 2024. Published BJN 2024.
This comment piece reflects on work within the highly specialist neurofibromatosis service at Guy’s Hospital, where many patients travel long distances and often do not know anyone else with the same condition. To help reduce isolation and strengthen peer support, I worked with our specialist social worker to establish a coffee club and a patient and staff forum.
Both groups were designed to encourage peer support, sharing of experiences and open dialogue. Over time, they have become a popular and well-established part of the service. This comment piece discusses what we learned during the pilot, how the programme developed, and the practical challenges of sustaining such initiatives within the NHS.
Inniss, R. (2024). Facilitating patient and staff collaboration. British Journal of Nursing, 33(19). doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2024.0278