PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT FORUMS

Early day motion 637, tabled 20 July 2005 by Ian Gibson (Labour). Signed by 32 members.

That this House welcomes the Government's continued commitment to a patient-centred NHS and to effective patient and public engagement in decision-making; notes with concern that patient and public involvement (PPI) forums, which have only existed since December 2003, are to undergo a further reorganisation in the coming year leading to a reduction in forum numbers and a loss of focus on ambulance, mental health and acute trusts; further notes with concern that reorganisation so early in the life of PPI forums could destabilise the system before it has the opportunity to develop properly and show its full benefits, leading to a loss of confidence amongst forum members; and further notes with concern that the abolition of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health, without any single national body to replace it, may impede the ability of patients and the public to influence decision-making on health services at a national level.

Signatures by party: Labour 27, Liberal Democrat 3, Conservative 1, UUP 1.