"Decisions About Patients Should Never Be Made Without Patients"

**Summary:** Ruth Ajayi, Patient Advocate, Public Speaker, and Non-Executive Director, joins Dr. Inyang Takon to talk about how a traumatic maternity experience sixteen years ago launched a career spent bringing patient and carer voices into rooms of power. Ruth explains the difference between consultation and co-production, how she built community engagement from scratch by walking into GP surgeries and hair salons rather than waiting for people to come to her, and what she looks for as a patient and public voice partner on NHS England's Responsible Adoption of AI Committee — including whether new tools widen health inequalities or advance health equity. She closes with direct advice for parents of neurodivergent children: find your tribe, and don't be afraid to be labelled a "difficult patient." **Key Takeaways for Parents and Teachers:** - Genuine patient engagement means going out into the community — GP surgeries, schools, local businesses — not expecting people to come to you. - "Co-production" goes further than consultation: co-planning, co-designing, co-evaluating, and co-delivering alongside the people a service is built for. - New tools and services (including AI) need to be tested against whether they widen or narrow health inequalities, especially for people who are less digitally connected or have complex needs. - One small, human gesture — like warming up gel before a scan — can make a lasting difference to a patient's experience. - Parents of neurodivergent children should find community with others who understand, and shouldn't fear being seen as a "difficult" advocate for their child — persistence can be lifesaving. **Resources Mentioned:** - Maternity Services Liaison Committee (MSLC), now Maternity Voices Partnership - NHS England's Responsible Adoption of AI Committee **Connect with Ruth Ajayi:** Website: https://www.ruthajayi.co.uk/ Self Advocacy Guides: https://www.ruthajayi.co.uk/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-ajayi-storytoaction/ https://brandangelz.com/creator/LadyRuth   Support the show **Resources & Connect with Dr. Inyang Takon:** Website: www.drtakon.com General Information for Parents www.school-doctor.com Questions? Email Us at [eim@drtakon.com](mailto:eim@drtakon.com) Connect on LinkedIn Subscribe to Ask a Developmental Paediatrician  Read our SUBSTACK Articles for Short Simple Smart tips for parents, health professionals  Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com