Making ripples: patient involvement in service planning

Abstract

Patient involvement in shaping the face of modern medicine is increasing. Patient representatives – local and from the Patient and Carer Network – are now an integral part of shaping the work of the Future Hospital Programme through their direct involvement in the development sites. The path to a successful partnership between clinicians, managers and representatives is not easy but is worthwhile as illustrated in two stories from the Royal College of Physicians' phase 1 development sites in north Wales and Wakefield. Each trust is different, as are the viewpoints of clinicians and representatives. However, shared learning and partnership working is a very powerful catalyst in promoting change for the benefit of both patients and staff. Patient involvement within the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has grown out of recognition that working together can produce better outcomes for patients, carers and clinicians. The setting up in 2003 of the Patient Involvement Unit, and the resourcing and support for the Patient and Carer Network (PCN) was a public statement of the RCP's commitment to integrating patient involvement into its core activities. Over the past 12 years, the relationship between the RCP and members of the PCN has evolved, with a growing confidence and trust in the expertise, knowledge, talents and commitment of PCN members. The decision to involve PCN members in the Future Hospital Commission (FHC) was a powerful indicator of the 'coming of age' of the PCN.