New Members to Speak for Patients

A recruitment drive to attract new members to the NHS Forth Valley Patient Public Panel (PPP), has resulted in 21 people being selected, bringing the total membership to 47. The new members, pictured, have all received induction training, signed confidentiality agreements and been checked by Disclosure Scotland.  

The Panel, which has been operating for the past eight years, has worked tirelessly to make patients' voices heard within NHS Forth Valley. Members have participated in some 40 committees and groups such as clinical governance and the arts strategy steering group. They also accompany staff from the facilities company Serco to check on the cleanliness of Forth Valley Royal Hospital and help gather patient's views using questionnaires. In addition, they advise on the content of leaflets and information provided on the NHS Forth Valley website.  

Helen Macguire, who chairs the Patient Public Panel said:  "Whatever we do, it is always our aim to support and improve services in NHS Forth Valley. This intake of new members will bring fresh ideas and more energy to the existing Panel to enable even wider involvement with voluntary work."

Full Panel meetings are held quarterly where presentations are given by NHS staff. This allows members to gain a greater understanding and knowledge of the way NHS Forth Valley operates. Staff also use this opportunity to test out ideas or generate new ones.

For more information please contact Lesley Sherwood, Patient Focus Public Involvement Co-ordinator on 01324 678588 or Lesley.sherwood@nhs.net