117. Evidence submitted by Ron Eskdale
(PPI 43)
I have been involved in a number of cancer groups
for a several years and currently chair the Patient Partnership
Forum (Central South Coast Cancer Network), In addition to my
experiences as a cancer patient I have examined recent published
material produced by the Department of Health and Joseph Rowntree
Foundation during 2006. As you will see from the letter heading
that I am interested in developing communication aids to improve
efficiency in groups such as meetings.
I am prepared to answer questions should members
think this would be of interest and value to them.
1. Executive Summary
1.1 I find some of the evidence produced
by the Department of Health in places confusing and, reminiscent
of a script for "Yes Minister":
eg "If we are to create a truly user-led
service, centred around the needs of both individuals and communities,
it is essential we create a stronger voice for patients, service
users and citizens at all levels of the health and social care
system".
I hope that operations will be still consultant
led.
I would have liked to have seen some reference
to the development of partnerships between patients, their carers
and health professions.
1.2 The problems of user involvement are
well documented in the Joseph Rowntree submission, I am not certain
how the introduction of LINks will help. Some reasons are outlined
below:
— As far as I know no pilot schemes
have been used.
— Both Health Authorities of various
kinds and Local Authorities are under financial and administrative
strain and external pressures at present. This is hardly a good
time to introduce change.
— Nationally designed programmes seam
not always to be appropriate to differing local conditions. Good
practice and adminitrative directives do not usually travel well.
— The questions posed on page 24 of
A Stronger Local Voice reveal some most helpful key questions
which really need to be answered before deciding to introduce
a new system of public involvement in the NHS.
1.3 My experience suggests that before partnership
groups and committees function well the following conditions need,
to apply:
— The host institution needs to be
supportive in providing accommodation and staff where this is
appropriate.
— It is essential that each group or
committee has a senior health professional as a regular member
of the group or committee. This person should have good contacts
within the organisation and have administrative support. Who pays
for this will always be a bone of contention.
— Meetings should be chaired by a person
who has then necessary skills. Training of course will frequently
help. However what is more important is finding the right person;
to do the tasks. It can either be a patient or health professional.
2. Submitter's Experience and Area of Expertise
2.1 Experience of chairing different types
and size of meetings and conferences.
— academic meetings in Polytechnics
and other Higher Education Institutions.
2.2 Teaching experience in management with
various Institutions including-the Open University as part time
tutor.
3. Recommendations
3.1 Suggest the introduction of LINks is
delayed until further work is carried out on the implications
for NHS organisations such as hospitals and whether it can implemented
in its current form.
3.2 Suggest an appropriate organisation
to undertake this is the NHS Centre of Involvement at Warwick
University.
Ron Eskdale
5 January 2007
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