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The Patients Association
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  • How we see the world
  1. About us
  2. Our purpose

How we see the world

The Patients Association is an independent patient charity campaigning for improvements in health and social care for patients.

Uniquely for a charity with a remit covering all health and care issues, we work with patients directly: they are our members and supporters, and also the people who benefit from our help and information services. Through our helpline we provide information to thousands of people each year about the health and social care system. 

We also speak to government, the NHS and other stakeholders about patients' priorities and concerns, to ensure the patient voice is heard and acted upon. 

Our purpose

To ensure that everybody can access and benefit from the health and care they need to live well, by ensuring that services are designed and delivered through equal partnership with patients.

Strategic focus 2021-25

Patient partnership in the design and delivery of health and care services.

Our core values ensure we never lose sight of what we're trying to achieve.

 

Diversity: We value diversity by encouraging a trusting, open and inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, patients, and stakeholders.

Dignity and Respect: We treat every person with kindness, respect and dignity.

Inclusive: We welcome people’s differences and believe it is important people are comfortable to be themselves while they are working/engaging with us. 

Partnership: We work in partnership to make things better for patients so everyone can get and benefit from the health and care they need.

These core values serve to guide our decision-making and the strategic direction of the Patients Association, and fundamentally underpin everything we do.

Board of Trustee's statement on diversity

Diversity goes to the heart of the Patients Association and we are committed to being a diverse organisation, tackling inequality in all its forms. Diversity is at the heart of our purpose to ensure everybody can access and benefit from the health and care they need to live well by ensuring that services are designed and delivered through equal partnership with patients. As an organisation that wants to speak for patients, it is our responsibility to understand the experiences of all patients. We do that by working in partnership with patients and stakeholders.

Health inequalities are increasing. Outcomes for patients from Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority communities, and those from more socially deprived backgrounds are poorer than for patients from more affluent, white communities. If we are to play our part in reducing inequalities, we must first look at ourselves. As a board of trustees we are committed to building and maintaining a board of trustees and staff group that are diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation and background.

We recognise diverse perspectives contribute to better decision making and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all board members and staff and volunteers feel valued, respected and empowered to share their unique insights.

Our strategy                   Our 2022 annual review

   

Our most recent AGM

Published: 7th November, 2017

Updated: 22nd November, 2023

Author:

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Latest

  • Developing GP practice patient groups

    We've been working with patient participation groups in Hertfordshire and West Essex for more than a year now. In this workshop, the team review progress to date.

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    In this webinar, we’ll look at some of the new professionals patients may see in general practice, such as social prescriber, paramedic and mental health practitioner.

  • Changes in primary care, understanding the role of the reception team

    We had a great panel join us to talk about the plan to recover access to primary care and talk about the new reception team.

Related

  • The Six Principles of Patient Partnership

    The Six Principles of Patient Partnership

    Working with patients, national and local organisations, health and care thought leaders, we've identified the six key principles of patient partnership.

  • How we work with patients

    How we work with patients

    The Patients Association has policies to ensure everyone is empowered to participate in the activities we run. We also have a policy on how we involve patients in our work. You can read them here.

  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

    Our objectives for equality, diversity and inclusion

  • Why patient partnership, and why now?

    Why patient partnership, and why now?

    Our Chief Executive Rachel Power discusses our new strategy for 2021-5, True Patient Partnership.

  • Job vacancies

    Job vacancies

    Discover what it's like working for the Patients Association and find out about current opportunities.

  • Our supporters

    Our supporters

    We are grateful to all our supporters for helping us be there to listen to patients and speak up for change.

  • The difference we make

    The difference we make

    We passionately believe that everyone has the right to receive the very best care when they need it most.

  • Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Read our policy on accessibility for our site

  • Cookie Policy

    Read our policy on cookie used whilst visiting our site.

Most read

  • Seeing your medical records

    Seeing your medical records

    This page explains how to get copies of your medical records in England and Wales.

  • You and your dentist

    You and your dentist

    This page is designed to give you more information about finding a dentist and using their services. It includes tips on how to prepare for an appointment, the charges you can expect and how to make a complaint.

  • Next of kin

    Next of kin

    Your medical next of kin is someone you nominate to receive information about your medical care.

  • Making a complaint

    Making a complaint

    Most people are happy with the health and social care they receive. But sometimes things go wrong. If that happens, you need to know how to complain. This guide sets out your rights and offers guidance on how to make a complaint.

  • Helpline - 0800 345 7115

    Helpline - 0800 345 7115

    Need information on health or social care? Call our free and confidential helpline on 0800 345 7115 (Mon-Fri 9.30am and 5pm).

  • Long term conditions

    Long term conditions

    About 15 million people in England have a long-term condition. A long-term condition is an illness that cannot be cured. It can usually be controlled with medicines or other treatments.

  • How we see the world

    How we see the world

    We believe that everyone should have access to the best healthcare when they need it most.

  • Make the most of your GP appointment

    Make the most of your GP appointment

    This page is to help you make the most of your GP appointment. It includes tips on how to prepare, what to ask and how to remember the information given to you.

  • Governance

    Governance

    Meet our Board of Trustees and Chief Executive.

  • Self-management

    Self-management

    Self-management aims to empower people with long-term conditions to take control of their treatment.  It is a set of approaches which help you manage your own health. Find out more in our simple guide to self-management.

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Accessibility

Accessibility

Read our policy on accessibility for our site Read more

Published: 30th June, 2014

Updated: 24th February, 2022

Author:

Care Home Charter for Medicines

Care Home Charter for Medicines

Our Care Home Charter for Medicines is designed to improve the administration and use of medicines in care homes. Read more

Published: 23rd September, 2019

Updated: 13th May, 2022

Author: Mehdi Juma

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© The Patients Association 2022. All Rights Reserved. The Patients Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (1006733). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (02620761)

Registered Address:P Block, Northwick Park Hospital, The North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ


          

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