Co-production thrives across Northampton hospital site

Co-production has been creating a real buzz across Northampton, with a recent Roadshow bringing together patients, staff, carers and volunteers to celebrate the positive difference that can be achieved when people work side by side.

At St Andrew's Healthcare, co-production is a key part of how services are developed and improved, particularly within a complex mental health environment where lived experience plays an important role in shaping care, recovery and opportunities across the hospital community.

The Roadshow began at FitzRoy House, where the Occupational Therapy team spoke to staff and patients about co-production while demonstrating how to create pom-pom bees from wool.

The bee, which symbolises co-production at St Andrew's, represents collaboration, community and the achievements that are possible when people combine their skills, knowledge and experiences.

As the Roadshow moved across the hospital site, new connections were formed, stories were shared and patients and staff worked together to create a growing swarm of handcrafted bees.

Jackie Branston, Head of Occupational Therapy, said: "The sessions were such good fun and seeing everyone's face when they were able to see what they had created in such a short time was brilliant. Co-production is about more than activities; it's about listening, learning and creating together. We watched people's confidence grow and a lot of the bees made were pledged to family members. It was great to share those moments."

A total of 45 people signed the Co-production Pledge during the week, demonstrating their commitment to supporting and promoting co-production across Northampton.

The week concluded with a fantastic Friday Football event, bringing patients and staff together for an afternoon of sport, celebration and community spirit. Spectators gathered pitch-side to cheer on the teams, while Managing Director Gary Stobbs joined the action on the field.

The event provided an opportunity to reflect on a successful week and celebrate the people who make the Northampton community such a special place. Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding contributions, teamwork and commitment.

Dawn Wright, Voluntary Services Manager, who organised the event with her team, said: "As cheers rang out and winners collected their prizes, there was a real sense of pride in everything that had been achieved throughout the week and also showed everyone just how important Friday Football has become to patients and staff."

The Roadshow also highlighted how co-production is continuing to grow across Northampton through a range of patient-led initiatives.

One recent example is Moments that Matter, a new co-produced newsletter created by patients and staff to celebrate positive stories, achievements and recovery across the site.

The newsletter's title and content were developed by an editorial team made up of patients from Fairbairn, Cranford and Rose wards, all of whom contributed ideas, content and lived experience.

A patient from Cranford took on the role of Deputy Editor, interviewing a member of staff, writing the introduction and helping to oversee and sign off the final edition.

He said: "I've really enjoyed being part of this and I'm looking forward to continuing with this work."

The first issue has now been distributed across Northampton Hospital, ensuring every patient receives a copy. Another patient from Rose Ward who helped with the printing process said: "I really enjoyed that session as I think it will make a lot of difference to our patients' lives."

Together, the Co-production Roadshow and the launch of Moments that Matter demonstrate how patients are increasingly contributing their skills, experiences and ideas to projects across Northampton.

By bringing together diverse perspectives, co-production is helping to build confidence, strengthen relationships and create meaningful opportunities for involvement, recovery and positive change for people with complex mental health needs.