Patient and Public Involvement
Involving Patients, Carers and the Public

The philosophy of patient involvement now underpins the development and delivery of all public health services.  Every PCT is obliged to consult and involve local people in its work, including the development of service strategies and plans, service reviews and developments, clinical governance and audit.  PCTs also have a role in encouraging and facilitating such involvement at individual practice level.

Effective involvement of local people can bring many benefits, but may feel like a daunting task alongside the other challenges PCTs face, and requires time and particular skills.  Acton Shapiro can help you make patient, carer and public involvement manageable and meaningful by:
  • working with staff to develop a patient, carer and public involvement strategy
  • designing, administering and analysing questionnaires
  • running focus groups, carrying out interviews and organising consultation events
  • planning and delivering involvement projects using a range of approaches
  • producing clear feedback reports for staff and the wider public
  • advising GP practices on approaches to involvement
  • training PCT and practice staff in approaches for effective involvement.
Working with Stockport PCT
Stockport PCT has commissioned Acton Shapiro to undertake public consultation on its Strategic Plan.  The key aims of the consultation will be to:
  • inform/educate the participants about the health and social care needs of the population (particularly focusing on health inequalities), in order for them to be able to contribute an informed view on the right priorities to improve health in Stockport
  • provide the PCT with a patient and public perspective to the prioritising of improvement, investment and reform
  • obtain the perspective of people who are threatened by current and future health inequalities to ensure services are designed to meet their needs.
In addition, participants will be asked to share their views on how to improve public consultation, involvement and engagement mechanisms to inform the PCT’s longer term engagement strategy.