Make a difference in Scotland
We are here to
help you get your views across on health care issues in
Scotland.
This matters because when people like you get
involved, it makes a big difference to decision-making. Often much
bigger than you think.
Where can I start?
Things vary depending on where you are, so the
key is to ask questions and do some research. This is as simple as
having a chat with the right people, or try a quick search
online.
Here are two facstheets on how health services
work and where decisions get made, and how you can make a
difference in Scotland - just click on the link to
download:
Make a difference in Scotland
How health services work in Scotland
Who should I speak with?
It could be anyone at your GP surgery, your local hospital
or your specialist clinic – whichever feels most important and
relevant to you. Any services you use should have a method in place
to gather your feedback. The process is usually known as ‘Patient
and Public Engagement’, although sometimes other names are used.
Either way, members of staff will have that information easily to
hand, so feel free to ask.
What can I find online?
You’ll find a lot of information in a few
clicks. Here are a few search terms to try:
Have your say in NHS [your location]
Get involved in NHS [your location]
Patient and Public Engagement [your
location]
Patient feedback [your local hospital]
Any of those should bring up some useful infromation for you to
follow up.
Is there any more help out there?
Plenty. Here are three organisations who will
help you have a voice.
This should be your first port of call. The
Council was specifically established in 2005 to promote Patient
Focus and Public Involvement in the NHS in Scotland. The aim is to
create a ‘mutual NHS’, where the NHS works in partnership with
patients, carers and the public. Have a dig around their website
for useful information on how to get involved.
As you’d expect, the NHS Scotland website is also
worth checking. It provides some valuable insights on how health
services work, and is a good way to track down contact details.
In Scotland we're working in partnership with Chest Heart and
Stroke Scotland to provide training on patient involvement. To find
out about Hearty Voices Scotland, please visit
their website or call Chest
Heart and Stroke Scotland on 0131 225 6963.
Have your say now
There are several things you can do right now to make a
difference, Check back for updates.
As the NHS goes through a
period of change, we need to hear about your
experiences to make sure you continue to receive high
quality and cost effective care by completing
our 15 minute online survey.
In memory of the late David Geldard MBE
Heart Care Partnership UK are accepting applications for a
bursary scheme to support patients or carers working
in partnership with clinicians.
Find out more or apply.