Structures and organisation

2023 - Call for evidence - Hewitt review to consider the oversight and governance of integrated care systems (ICSs).
We welcomed the review as an opportunity to reintroduce patient partnership at the heart of governance of the local NHS, something that has been lost in recent NHS reforms.

2022 - Consultation response - Integration white paper
In our comments on the integration white paper, we express concern that it will be able to achieve little without the NHS's workforce crisis being addressed, and that it does not envisage a sufficient role for patients in the future of the NHS.

2021 - Evidence submission - Commons Health and Social Care Committee inquiry into the white paper
In response to a call for evidence by the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, we outline our disappointment at the lack of a vision for a strong role for patients in the new NHS arrangements.

2021 - Consultation response - Possible changes to NHS legislation
In response to further plans for legislation to improve collaboration in the NHS, we welcome much of the proposals but raise serious concerns about the lack of a clear role for patients in designing and implementing services.

Latest

Prioritising patient experience: Other than experiences of waiting, we measure but we don’t act

Patients Association Trustee Alf Collins and Richard Sloggett, Freelance Health Consultant and Programme Director at Future Health Research, make a simple plea: that all aspects of patient experience – not just their experience of accessing services – is taken seriously.
Supporting patient engagement and revitalising Patient Participation Groups

We have completed an exciting initiative in partnership with the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support patient engagement and revitalise Patient Participation Groups post pandemic.
New project focuses on improving health equity

Bristol Myers Squibb awards the Patients Association grant to research how to improve access to healthcare for patients affected by health inequalities.
The Untold Patient Stories: Shedding the light on the realities of life with a long-term condition

We're hosting a webinar to support The Forgotten Majority campaign that aims to raise awareness among policy makers about the real life every day challenges faced by people with long-term health conditions as we approach the General Election. Sign up - it's free!

New project focuses on improving health equity

Bristol Myers Squibb awards the Patients Association grant to research how to improve access to healthcare for patients affected by health inequalities.
Understanding changes in primary care: digital access

The fourth and last webinar in our series with NHS England exploring changes in primary care, this time looking at digital access to services.
Holding your ICB to account

Member Brian Finney says local integrated care boards’ public meetings are a way patients can seek to influence local health services. He offers advice to other patients on how to be a critical friend to the NHS.
Supporting the NHS to provide meal and snack time resources

Patients, service users, and family carers worked with us to provide recommendations for how NHS England can improve resources on promoting good mealtime practices in hospitals.
Expanding access and improving experiences; the future of diagnostic testing for patients

The Patient Experience of Diagnostics report showed that patients view diagnostics as a fundamental part of the NHS and one that should be prioritised over the coming years. This webinar explored the report's findings and considered the report's recommendations on how to improve diagnostic services.
Martha's Rule - a major step for patient partnership

The Government has confirmed Martha's Rule will be introduced in 100 NHS sites across England beginning in April 2024.
Understanding changes in primary care: your wider general practice team

In this webinar we were joined by four health professionals - social prescriber, paramedic, physio and mental health practitioner - who discussed how they support patients in general practice.
The Patients Association launches general election manifesto

The next Government must ensure people are able to get the care they need. Reversing the normalisation of the crisis the NHS faces and rebuilding the service's relationship with patients must be addressed. Our manifesto spells out how to make that happen.
Personalising care and offering patients choice

In the last of our blogs on the development of an outpatient strategy, we reflect on what we learned about patient choice, personalised care and treating the whole person.
Kindness, reasonable adjustments and consistency needed across outpatients

In our second blog about the work we’re doing on outpatients with NHS England and the Royal College of Physicians, we look at staff education, health inequalities, integrating care, and staffing.

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