30 Jan 2001
The NHS Confederation is today giving the management perspective on the new proposals for patient and public involvement at a major conference where the Department of Health is moving forward the agenda on this key area of the NHS Plan.
Alastair Henderson, policy manager, said:
"The NHS Confederation welcomes the unpacking of patient and citizen issues as an important step forward. The proposals in the NHS Plan can make a real difference, providing a number of different routes to support, advise and be an advocate for a patient - all of which can help make the patient experience better. The issue is therefore no longer whether CHCs should stay or not - we have come too far to go back to where we were before the Plan. We must now make the new proposals robust, independent where necessary, and workable.
The new system must have clarity of role and purpose but flexibility of structure and delivery. It can build on existing good practice by ensuring that it doesn't lose CHC staff and member expertise, and by providing practical support for those who want to participate.
While the proposals form a broadly coherent package it is clear that there are real issues to sort out. Their success will depend on attitude and culture as much as structures. The key question that must be answered is, 'Will it make things better for patients and will there be a higher level of public involvement in the NHS?'"
Ends
Last reviewed 24 Oct 2006