Positively Engaging in NHS Change: How best to involve people
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Health services in the UK are going through a significant period of change as they gear up to meeting the needs of our 21st Century population. Wessex Voices invited members of the public, six local Healthwatch and NHS colleagues to spend the morning of the 5th of December to: hear more about what is driving these changes in the NHS and what health services could look like in 5-10 years; and discuss the best way for the NHS to involve the public in these significant changes.
The key messages that came out of participants’ discussions about how people can be involved in NHS changes over the next 5-10 years are summarised below:
People need clarity about the purpose, nature and limits of influence of their involvement. These conversations should be open and honest.
Involve people in things that are relevant and specific to them. Do it in ways that are tailored, exciting and use technology, particularly to reach younger people.
Positive stories, role models and scenarios can show the potential of change. Involve existing networks but reach beyond the usual suspects.
Involvement activities need resourcing and skilled people. People have a role to play by committing to be a critical friend, making sure the best interests of patients are considered and holding the NHS to account.