Thu, 30 Mar 2006
NHS users: the silent majority
Most people (76%) have never been asked about what they want from local NHS services according to new research released today (30/03/06). This is despite the fact that the public and health professionals almost unanimously (90% and 93% respectively) agree that local people ought to have a say in how health services are run.The research shows that many people (50%) feel that they have no power to influence what happens with their local NHS services, with 26% of people saying that they think it is a waste of time to involve ordinary people in the first place.
The findings mark the start of a campaign by Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP), the NHS Alliance and the National Association for Patient Participation to raise public awareness of the importance of being involved in local service development and to offer guidance to health providers on the benefits of involving local people.
Dr David Wrigley, DPP Chairman said:
"There is an increasing emphasis on choice in the NHS and taking responsibility for your own health but this research shows people feel like they don’t really have much choice when it comes to what money is spent on locally and how services are offered. Health professionals and the public need to work together to plan cost effective services which local communities feel responsible for."
Dr Brian Fisher,Patient and Public Involvement lead for the NHS Alliance said:
"The NHS is developing a new way of designing and paying for services, called Practice Based Commissioning. It is important that this process is accountable and that local people become able to influence and shape it, in conjunction with GP practices."
National Association for Patient Participation,
"commented:,The importance to us of good health care is reflected in the fact that three out of four people (74%) would like to have a say in how their surgery or local hospital is run. There is every reason to believe that a greater voice for patients would help to deliver the improvements that professionals also desire." - Chief Executive, Graham Box
Contact DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships:
Marianne Mcglynn 020 7383 6828 mmcglynn@bma.org.uk
Pam Prentice 020 7383 6144 pprentice@bma.org.uk
Notes to editors
ICM interviewed a random sample of 160 healthcare professionals across the country by telephone between 8th and 20th January 2006.
ICM interviewed a random sample of 1009 adults aged 18+ by telephone across the country between 1st and 2nd February 2006.
ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information can be found at ICM Research.
DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships (formerly Doctor Patient Partnership) is a health education charity working with primary care organisations and the public to make the most of health services and help people manage their health by improving health knowledge and communication.
The NHS Alliance is the independent body that represents NHS primary care commissioners, including GP practices and PCTs, together with the clinicians, managers and board members who are jointly responsible for the delivery of local NHS services. It reflects the critical partnership between professionals and the public that is the foundation of a good quality health service.
The National Association for Patient Participation is the umbrella organisation for Patient Participation Groups in the United Kingdom. Registered as a charity in 1978, N.A.P.P. now has over 250 affiliated Groups (as well as more than 20 PCT affiliates). They make an important contribution to the life of their practices and the health of their community.