People in Whissendine are invited to sign up to a new online network to share their experiences of NHS services and help shape the future of local NHS services.
The NHS Citizens’ Panel has been set up by local NHS organisations to gather public views and opinions on a wide variety of health topics, which will be used to help us to understand peoples’ experiences and what matters most to them.
Evan Rees, a local patient and Chair of the Public and Patient Involvement Assurance Group said: “As patients this is our opportunity to help improve the healthcare services that thousands of people in the area use every single day. This could be in the large hospitals in Leicester, the community hospitals, care at home or in your GP practice or local clinics.
“The NHS wants to know what is done well, what could be improved, and what we all think of any future plans to change services. The feedback we all give will be used to make meaningful improvements that affect our lives for the better. In the uncertain times of the Covid-19 pandemic it is a great way to get involved. The NHS Citizens’ Panel is also a great place to network online with local people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”
It’s really easy to get involved as the Citizens’ Panel will mostly take place online. You could simply spend a few minutes each month taking part in surveys, polls and questionnaires. You can do these on your mobile at a time that suits you, in the comfort of your home or out and about. If you want to get more involved, you’ll also have the opportunity to take part in online focus groups on a health topic that interests you. If you don’t have an opinion on a topic or you’re too busy to help, you don’t have to. It’s designed to fit around you.”
Evan continued: “It’s vital that the voice of local people is at the heart of the NHS.
“What makes the NHS Citizens’ Panel different is the number of conversations that will take place online; in this way we hope to reach out to people who perhaps wouldn’t normally join a patient group, because they are busy.”
Anyone can sign up and members will receive a regular newsletter with information about health and social care and be asked for their views on health topics. To find out more about the Citizens’ Panel and to sign up go to www.healthcareviewsllr.co.uk