VOLUNTEERS who carry out spot checks on health services in Bradford have been recognised for identifying areas for care improvements.

Eighteen people have been trained to do 'Enter and View' planned visits for the district's watchdog, Healthwatch.

Three of them spoke today about their role as a 'critical friend' of the NHS at the annual meeting of Healthwatch at the University of Bradford.

Mehvish Akhtar, 21, of Great Horton Road, Bradford, spoke about how a visit to the children's wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) led to improved decorations on wards and better facilities for families.

Chatting to patients also boosted her confidence.

"When I first started at BRI it was really nerve-wracking," she said.

"But you get used to it in the end because, you know, different patients have different stories to tell. The elderly tend to want to talk more than the young ones, but that's great."

Ms Akhtar, a health student at Bradford College, was eventually able to lead a 'walk around' visit to children's wards at BRI.

She recruited other young people to get involved and wrote a report which recommended ward improvements.

"Being part of those improvements felt great because it showed that the hospitals are actually listening to what people had to say," she said.

Fellow volunteer Yvonne Jardine, 66, a retired psychiatrist from Hebden Bridge, was involved in suggesting new ways of working at Eccleshill Community Hospital.

She said: "We learned that people valued Eccleshill. They were really delighted with the service there; the staff, the care, the peaceful and quiet environment.

"But there was some uncertainty, some slight criticism about the fact that they didn't feel they were being fully involved in the planning for discharge [from hospital]."

The subsequent report by volunteers recommended the hospital should involve patients and carers more in making decisions about when they are ready to go home.

A new pilot project called Ticket Home gives patients control of their own recovery goals.

Volunteer Hoshiar Singh, 62, a retired environmental health officer from Heaton, Bradford, said the impact of his Enter and View visit at Eccleshill made him proud.

"When we found out the Trust had taken up this scheme it was very satisfying. Knowing that you helped to make a difference makes you feel good, as if you've done something worthwhile," he said.

Around 50 people at the annual meeting watched video reports on the work of volunteers which were filmed and edited by Madalima Oros, 19, who is studying TV production at the University.