Why get involved ?

Patient and Public Involvement Forums came into existence with the abolition of the Community Health Councils in 2003 in favour of a new system of patient representation.

Forums have been set up for each NHS Trust and Primary Care Trust in the country. They are representative of the community and have the power to go where the patient goes to monitor services. PPI Forums will:

• Reflect community views and be a channel for public opinion
  
• Look at general health and all issues affecting health e.g. environment, housing, transport, unemployment, lifestyle and poverty (much wider than just the NHS)
  
• Support Trusts to do the same
  
• Promote involvement and advocacy
  
• Always look at issues from the patient and public viewpoint
  
• Monitor services provided by the Trusts and inspect premises where services are delivered
  
• Promote community empowerment and development
  
• Focus on areas most important to the community or where they are most likely to make a difference

Members of the New Forest PPI Forum are local people who are developing working relationships with other local people by going out into the community and listening to what they have to say about health issues. In particular they will work hard to involve people who for various reasons have not, until now, been involved in these types of activities.

How can you have your say? Contact Vivian Reid the Forum Development Officer to find out. Please phone for further information on how to become involved with the forum in YOUR area.

Vivian Reid, on Tel 07717 702133 by email on vivian.reid@helpandcare.org.uk or by post to:

Forum Support Organisation (Help and Care)
The Pokesdown Centre,
896 Christchurch Road,
Pokesdown,
Bournemouth,
BH7 6DL.