Patient and Public Involvement
Information strategy details: Lansley promises online GP access to 'end 8am rush'
The health secretary has promised patients easier interaction with GP practices, as he published the long awaited NHS information strategy today.
NHS private patient units let down by 'customer service'
Weak customer service is a greater obstacle to NHS hospitals increasing their private work than the “barriers” being investigated by competition authorities, the UK’s largest medical insurer has claimed.
Acute trusts absent from local wellbeing boards
Emerging health and wellbeing boards believe they will successfully shape local health policies and drive service integration. But many boards still lack input from NHS providers, a survey shared exclusively with HSJ reveals.
Patient campaigner bids for top commissioning board role
A patient and public involvement campaigner has applied for a senior NHS Commissioning Board role, partially in protest at tokenistic participation “rituals”.
DH issues grant for developing patient information
The Patient Information Forum is to be given £175,000 by the Department of Health to test and develop new approaches to improving health and wellbeing.
Independent advice service for NHS patients launches
A new independent advice service for NHS patients in Scotland begins its work today.
Lansley condemns expensive GP phone calls
Patients should not be charged premium phone call rates to make an appointment with their GP, health secretary Andrew Lansley has said.
NHSCB patient role ‘too information focused’
Patient and public representatives have raised concern that the NHS Commissioning Board may appoint an informatics specialist rather than a “true patient champion” to a senior director role.
Exclusive: flagship HealthWatch policy to be 'watered down' by amendments
Government plans to amend the Health Bill to clarify arrangements for HealthWatch have angered campaigners who claim the change will “water down” patient and public involvement in the NHS.
Treatment information for outpatients must improve, trusts warned
Hospitals must get better at explaining treatment, according to the Care Quality Commission, after a national survey of outpatients found many were left confused about tests, medicines and side effects.
NHS manager launches care home rating website
An NHS manager hopes to improve national care standards by launching what she says is the first live, independent ratings website for care homes.
'Political bravery’ required to keep the NHS ‘the most open health system in the world'
The NHS is “the most open health system in the world” according to the government’s new public data transparency tsar, but only a mix of urgency, political bravery and public and clinical engagement will keep it that way.
Health Bill amendments target integration and secretary of state's duties
The government has tabled 137 amendments to its Health Bill.
Health bodies caution against Cabinet Office open data push
A government consultation on more open use of data has found strong support for increased transparency in public services. But health organisations have urged caution due to the potential for leaks of sensitive information.
'Be clear' bowel cancer campaign launched by government
A government campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer.
NHS stuck in 'information dark ages', says Future Forum
The NHS needs a culture change to drag itself out of the “information dark ages” and avoid reputational damage, the NHS Future Forum has said.
DH agrees funding for HealthWatch pathfinders
The government has finally agreed to provide £3.5m funding for the development of local HealthWatch organisations. However, concerns remain that the organisation is being “set up to fail” under current plans.
Mergers will not make unviable trusts sustainable, warn MPs
The takeover or merger of troubled trusts in order for them to achieve foundation status “is not a convincing solution” that will ensure their future sustainability, according to MPs.
Care homes review website planned
Care homes for older people are to be reviewed and rated by members of the public on a new website, under plans being developed by the government.
Government public health plans 'ineffective', says study
Many of the government’s plans for tackling public health lack robust evidence and in some cases have been shown not to work, new research suggests
More on PPI
How patient perspectives can help improve service design
Patient opinions are a precious source of information. Natalie Cook and Keith Miller explain how to make listening to them a fundamental part of service design.
How to make equality and diversity a central part of your organisation
Three leaders discuss how they are working to make equality and diversity part of their organisation’s DNA.
How to improve commissioning for long term conditions
Don Redding of National Voices identifies three types of people who can enhance the commissioning of services for people with long term conditions.
From healthcare to self care: services that help patients look after themselves
Dee Kyne explains how investing in a service redesign secured savings for one practice and health improvements for its patients.
How to handle NHS contract arrangements with confidence
Craig Barratt and colleagues look at contract management issues facing commissioners and providers, and offer practical tips on negotiation that can help keep potentially tense relationships amicable.
Serious about improving care? Then use the net promoter score
Health professionals are being urged to consider the way they measure the effectiveness of the care they give in a bid to further improve patient experience.
