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ANNUAL REPORT  2003 - 2004

WHAT IS THE PATIENTS FORUM?

The Patients Forum is a vibrant network of national and regional organisations representing the interests of those who use health services.  It facilitates communication and dialogue between the health consumer network and government, statutory and professional bodies. 

The Patients Forum does not itself have a campaigning remit. It enables member organisations to represent themselves more effectively. The role of the Patients Forum is unique and does not overlap or duplicate other networks. 

We do this by: 

·   providing a safe and creative space for members to develop ideas
    and policy 

·   acting as a sounding board for consulting and exchanging information
    with patient and consumer health groups 

·   enabling effective networking, learning and exchange between
    members 

·   providing a constructive environment where members and external
    agencies can discuss policy developments 

OUR MISSION   

   To ensure the provision of healthcare meets patients' individual
    needs and gives a positive experience of care. 

Main achievements 2003 –2004 

Held six bi-monthly meetings with expert speakers: 

·            Rowena Daw, Mind - Update on latest mental health
             legislation and on patient choice and mental health 

·            Stephen Fishwick, National Pharmaceutical Association
             and Melanie Smaus, Public Affairs Officer, PSNC  - 
             Shaping Community Pharmacy services - the new pharmacy
             contract 

·            Sheila Scales, DfES:   Children are patients too - how do
             they fit into the wider health and social care agenda? 

·            Harry Cayton. Director for Patients and the Public at DH 
             - My role 

·            Simon Williams, Patients Association - Hospital
             enviroments - Getting Better? 

Organised  five seminars: 

·           Arnold Simanowitz - Clinical Negligence - the
            Government's proposals 

·           Fiona Wood - the Commission for Patient and Public
            Involvement in Health  

·           Dave Jervis,  London Ambulance Service - "Saying No"
            campaign.  Progress on patient and public involvement 

·           Isabel Nisbet, Commission for Health Improvement - 
            Finding the right route for complaints 

·           Tim Baxter - Head of Policy Hub at DH - Consultation on
             issues arising from the use of ID cards to prove
             entitlement for free NHS treatment  

Produced a bi-monthly Patients Forum e-newsletter incorporating the Patients Forum policy briefing 

Facilitated representation by member organisations on committees and working groups set up by the NHS, professional bodies and other health-related organisations

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