Frequently Asked Questions

In all your services and Network groups, do you have patients and carers?

Not every group has a member of the public on it at all times.  We do have focus groups and interviews that feed into most things we do and some people become flexible friends of the Network; who can be contacted when we need their point of view.  We would like to have 2 patient and carer representatives on most initiatives.  Our main patient and carer forum, the Triple PG (Patient and Professional Partnership Group), helps us develop our work plan.  We are keen that people represent the population we serve in terms of age, gender and ethnic diversity, so welcome interest from all sections of society.

How do you select your patient representatives?

In many ways, people select themselves; they may hear about us from a charity, or support group, or come to our Triple PG, and look for opportunities to get involved.  It is important to believe in the value of the NHS and not be too negative in outlook.  We also like people to try things out, but keep a work/life balance, not to take on too many voluntary opportunities for too long.

Who will be my Network link person?

We will give you an induction pack and you will have staff names, job details and contact details.  Most of the time, you will link with Sally Wells, Patient & Public Involvement Manager.  You can drop in for coffee in the office, or get to know other patient representatives and meet them privately.

How can individuals have any authority? Why listen to me?

There is a growing PPI culture of ‘nothing about us without us’.  Patients remind professionals that everything they do is about providing a service for patients.  The public fund the NHS, so the taxpayer/patient should have equal standing within it.  No individual can represent all people who have had a heart problem or stroke, but can develop skills in patient involvement to bring a balanced perspective to the Network.

Where can I go for health, or other advice?

We can’t answer individual questions, but the Network can help you find useful organisations.  Just call us, or contact us.

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