Patient Public Panel

NHS Forth Valley Acute Patient Public Panel (PPP) was established in 2004.  The aim was, and still is, to provide NHS Forth Valley with a means of ensuring that the perspective of patients and the public is at the heart of improving patient care and experience in acute services.  An initial priority was to engage PPP members in the development of the new acute hospital, Forth Valley Royal, which opened in 2010.  

How does the Panel work?

Panel members are volunteers. All new members go through a recruitment and induction process and are 'buddied' until they find their feet.
 
A Steering Group seeks to focus the work of the Panel and acts as a catalyst.  The Full Panel meets 4 times a year. These meetings are interactive and cover topics of general interest. Members also participate in subgroups meetings. The work is organised across 3 subgroups:

•    Patient Experience: for example: gathering patients' views on our services and discussing with staff priorities for action and, working to improve the way in which we provide services for people with dementia.
 
•    Patient Safety: for example: assisting with domestic monitoring checks and, working with the Hand Washing Coordinator and the Area Infection Control Committee.
 
•    Person Centred: for example: influencing the development of the new hospital from the very earliest stage.  The group now works to ensure that Forth Valley Royal Hospital is ‘person centred’ for patients, public and staff.
 
In addition there are a number of Task Groups, for example: a Leaflet Task Group ensures information is patient-friendly; a News Task Group writes articles on the work of the Panel; and a Complaints Task Group is involved in evaluating the complaints process. All Subgroups and Task Groups are chaired by Patient Public Panel members.    

What does the Patient Public Panel do?

Currently PPP members participate in around 50 groups and committees such as the Cancer Patient Public Involvement Group, the Spiritual Care Committee, the Dementia Care Project, the Hand Hygiene Group and the Arts Strategy Steering Group.  It is important to note Panel members will never be expected to do the work of paid staff.

In addition to exerting their influence through participating in meetings, PPP members are involved in practical work ranging from helping with Domestic Monitoring Audits, designing and administering Patient Experience surveys with staff, working closely with ward staff in carrying-out ‘observations of care’ and working with the Community Ranger in the design of a therapeutic garden.

What are the benefits if the PPP?

   To the PPP member:  Several PPP members have indicated personal benefits such as an improved sense of worth, enhanced mental health, enjoyable social contact, structure to their week and feeling valued by staff.  
 
   To NHS Forth Valley:  The PPP helps to improve the quality of services and therefore enhances the experience of patients.  Also, being independent, they can challenge the system and offer creative solutions as they are able to think ‘outside the box’.

How reqarding is it?

 See what some of our existing panel members have said recently: 

"We make recommendations and can physically see that the work has been carried out, so we're making a difference"
 
"It keeps me busy and makes sure my brain doesn't go completely soft"
"I feel we get respect from professionals"

“It’s fun as well. I enjoy people’s company; they are nice folk and most groups work together well”

What support can i expect as a PPP member?

In line with NHS Forth Valley’s ‘Volunteer Charter’, PPP members can expect the following:  
•    Induction training so you feel confident and effective in your role.   

•    A ‘buddy’ to help you find you feet in the first few months.  

•    On-going training and support so you feel confident in your role as it evolves (e.g. Patient Experience Champion training and training on chairing meetings).  PPP members have access to all NHS Forth Valley staff training courses (e.g. Diversity Champion training).

•    Feedback on your role, either collectively as a group, or individually, where possible.  

•    Full reimbursement for the following expenses (with receipts):
   o    Public transport
   o    Mileage will be reimbursed at an agreed level
   o    Any other costs related to PPP activity e.g. childcare costs.

•    We will strive to remove any barriers to participation and to meet any special needs of PPP members e.g. providing interpreting services.

•    Refreshments are provided at PPP meetings.

•    You will have one main point of contact, namely the Patient Focus Public Involvement (PFPI) Coordinator.  

•    All PPP members, like all NHS Forth Valley volunteers, are adequately covered by NHS FV insurance.

Who can join?

We have recruitment drives every so often and any adult living in the NHS Forth Valley area can apply to join.  We want the Panel to reflect the different groups in our local communities as much as possible.  We aim to remove barriers thus supporting participation irrespective of age, gender (including reassigned), race, faith, sexual orientation, marital status and pregnancy/maternity status.   We will always do our very best to meet people's needs so they are able to participate fully. 

How can I join the Patient Public Panel?

We are currently looking for new members.   As part of an informal selection process, applicants will be invited to a recruitment event where you will receive more information about the PPP.  Application forms are available to be downloaded here or you can contact Lesley Sherwood (see below for details).   
 
•    Recruitment Leaflet
•    Expression of Intrest Form
•    Case Study  

For more information...

To find out more about joining the Patient Public Panel, please contact:

Lesley Sherwood
Patient Focus Public Involvement Co-ordinator
Phone:  01324 678 557 (or x8588) (Tuesday – Friday)
Email:  lesley.sherwood@nhs.net