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ANNUAL REPORT  2004 - 2005

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. 

Summary of Activities 2004 –2005

September  AGM held which included a Review of Arms Length Bodies - Implications for patient and public involvement given by Meredith Vivian, Head of Patient and Public Involvement, Department of Health

November  Review of Foundation Trusts.  Speaker: Paul Durham, Senior Policy Officer, Healthcare Commission

January  Driving Improvement in Health - A New Approach.  Speakers: Alison Cahn & Jose King, Healthcare Commission, Patient and Public Engagement in Assessment for Improvement Consultation

February  Patients Forum Conference - 'Delivering Health For All - Public Health & Social Inclusion'

March  The Freedom of Information Act and its impact on Health Services.  Speakers:  Maurice Frankel, Campaign for Freedom of Information; Sue Markey, Information Commissioner's Office & John Grenville, British Medical Association

April  Progress Report on Patient & Public Involvement.  Speaker: Meredith Vivian, Head of Patient & Public Involvement, Department of Health

May  Palliative Care - In the light of the Select Committee Inquiry, what are the outstanding issues, what is the government doing about them and what can we do?  Speakers:  Erica Young, National Council for Palliative Care & Claire Henry, End of Life Care Initiative, NHS

June  Consultation on issues arising from the use of ID cards to prove entitlement for free NHS treatment between the Patients Forum and the Department of Health.

July  Dental complaints within the private sector.  Speaker: Gordon Miles, Director, Private Patient Complaints, General Dental Council.  The role of the National Clinical Assessment Services (NCAS) in relation to dentistry.  Speaker: Dr Janine Brooks, Associate Director (Dentistry), NCAS

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