Get involved in health decisions (From Warrington Guardian)

Get involved in health decisions

THE North Cheshire Hospitals Patient and Public Involvement Forum, which covers both Warrington and Halton Hospitals, has been successful in bidding for a regional grant to conduct a unique project.

The project has two main aims - to find public views on a number of hospital services and, more importantly, to hear suggestions for improvements.

The hospitals have already completed a number of patient surveys, and the results from these may be added to this public survey to provide a fuller picture and build on new ideas and suggestions.

In order to achieve this, the project worker will talk to a number of local groups, voluntary organisations, relevant statutory bodies such as Social Services and housing agencies, and a number of patients, outpatients and if possible hospital staff.

The forum is already aware of public interest in a number of topics which will form the basis of the interview questions - these include car parking and transport to and from both hospitals, care on the wards, admission and discharge arrangements and outpatient or clinic issues.

It is hoped a report will be available in June. If you or those you represent would like to know more about the project or speak to the project officer please contact Elaine Packer on 246892 or write to her at PPI, CVS, the GATEWAY, 89 Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1SR or e-mail on elainep@thegateway.org.uk