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Department of Health
16 November 2001
Involving Patients and the Public in
Healthcare:
Response to the Listening Exercise
I am delighted to enclose a copy of the Government’s response to the recent listening exercise on our proposals for strengthening patient and public involvement in the NHS.
I am very grateful for the help you have given us. The range of constructive ideas and comments put forward has been exceptional– over 1000 individuals and organisations have sent me their views. To stimulate debate further, I have held a series of nine regional events across the country to hear directly from voluntary and patient organisations, CHCs, NHS staff and Non Executive Directors, local authorities and other stakeholders about their views on the proposed new system. These events too have been highly beneficial, again ensuring the debate is rigourous and constructive.
I was determined that the whole process of listening should be real, and was sure that taking on board the informed views of stakeholders would lead to a more effective system. The response I am publishing today clearly shows that we have truly listened and acted upon the suggestions and ideas that had been made during the exercise. This document draws on the views and experience of all those who responded, and I believe that as a result our proposals are indeed now much stronger.
I am convinced that the new structures will ensure that patients, carers and the public have real influence in NHS decisions, and in decisions affecting their health. Patients, their careres and the public overall will, more than ever, have a real opportunity to get involved and help to influence change at every level of the NHS.
Thank you for your time, commitment and interest.
Hazel Blears
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