Call for new Health Forum Members - Could it be you?

A campaign is being launched by Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums across England to encourage more members of the public to volunteer and help improve health services in their area. The Forums are made up of volunteers from all backgrounds of the local community who represent patients and the public in decisions about health and health services.

PPI Forums were set up in 2003 and are supported by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health. The Forums, made up of entirely of volunteers play an active role in health related decision making within their communities. Members of PPI Forums, are provided with training and development opportunities to enable them to participate effectively.

In the last 12 months, PPI Forums across the country have made a significant impact on health services.

• In April 2006, Forums highlighted the high cost of making incoming calls to bedside telephones in hospitals. A review group set up by the Department of Health is now looking at the issue,
• In October 2006, Forums launched the biggest ever survey of patients experiences of hospital food.

PPI Forum members have legal powers which they can use to make sure Trusts take the views of patients and the public into account when making decisions.

Joining a Forum is a fantastic opportunity to bring about change for the better across a wide range of services, from maternity provision to the care of older people.

If you would like to find out more about the issues PPI Forums are working on, or if you would like more general information on joining a PPI Forum, telephone 0845 120 7111 or go to www.cppih.org.

PPI Forums began operation in December 2003 after almost 5,000 volunteers were recruited to the 572 Patient and Public Involvement Forums. There is a Forum for every NHS Trust, Primary Care Trust and Foundation Trust in England.