47. Evidence submitted from the Chairs
of Kensington & Chelsea PCT Forum and Chelsea & Westminster
Foundation Trust Forum (PPI 14)
This is a submission from the Chairs of Kensington
& Chelsea PCT Forum and Chelsea & Westminster Foundation
Trust Forum. We will follow the format of your terms of reference.
Due to time we have not been able to canvass your words with all
our members but have been discussing the issues in our meetings
since September when CPPIH raised them.
Purpose of patient and public involvement?
1. To listen to the voice of patients in
the locality and ensure their views are included in service provision
and planning of all local health services.
2. Thus to raise public influence in improving
administration as well as effective treatment.
What form of patient and public involvement is
desirable, practical and offers good value for money?
3. Volunteers with an interest in local
health grouped in one local voluntary and independent organisation,
backed by an efficient administration with good local contacts.
Why are existing systems for PPI being reformed
after only three years?
4. Firstly the Government had set up CPPIH
before reforms had their full impact on the NHS. It proved out
of touch with local needs as seen by the Forums. Secondly because
of the poor design of CPPIH the Forums are only gradually beginning
to achieve their purpose.They have influenced the Trusts and acquired
valuable experience which can be used.
How should LINKs be designed?
5. They must be seen to be part of the public
response to the NHS and so independent of statutory bodies (PCT
and Borough Council). As far as possible they should be democratic
in recruitment and governance and, like other voluntary associations,
dedicated to their mission. Funding should be agreed purpose-built
for a LINK. So should staffs in their motivation. They should
focus upon Local Government Areas and the communities within them.
They should have powers to enter, research and inspect, and get
answers. Relations with local health Trusts should be based upon
mutual respect and respect for patients. National coordination
may help by gaining other models of effectiveness but central
domination could threaten the localness and independence of LINKs.
How relate to and avoid overlap with:—
6. LG structures including OSCs? Council
officers should be trained (probably through the CEO) to resource
and support the Borough Health actions of the LINK. An alliance
with the OSC seems natural. Foundation Trust Boards and Members
Councils? Should relate to Links as now PCTs try to Forums. However
the funding/commissioning as now by PCTs will need examining.
Inspectorates including Healthcare Commission? LINKs should use
them but check carefully information which varies from their own.
Formal and informal complaints? LINKs will need to promote actively
better standards and more usable information by professionals
from PALS and ICAS.
Wider Public Consultation?
7. Wider consultation should be used when
it is necessary to prove to the public that new actions by Trusts
or Borough Social Care Services singly or together will benefit
the public. LINKs should act as public advocates in each consultation.
They should also be ready to insist on layperson's language.
Kensington & Chelsea PCT and Chelsea & Westminster
Foundaton Trust Forum
29 December 2006
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