Patient and Public Consultation for Stockport PCT
Started December 2007 - Completed August 2008

Acton Shapiro carried out consultation with patients, carers, the public and key stakeholders on Stockport PCT’s Strategic Plan during Spring 2008 to help prioritise service investment and development.  This was followed in Summer 2008 by patient and public consultation on eight clinical pathway themes, to help inform service improvements.  These were services related to palliative care, maternity, mental health, sexual health, children’s health (with a focus on ADHD), planned care, urgent care and long-term conditions.
 
The key aims of the consultation were:
  • to inform 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
  • to provide the PCT with a patient and public perspective to the prioritising of investment and reform
  • to support implementation of Lord Darzi’s review of NHS services, particularly in relation to clinical pathway improvements.

The consultation covered a large group of stakeholders, and demanded a wide range of methods, including:

  • a large-scale event involving the local voluntary sector
  • Citizens’ Juries
  • focus groups
  • clipboard surveys
  • postal questionnaires
  • facilitated discussion groups.

There was a particular emphasis on engaging with ‘hard to reach’ groups and this was achieved through designing methods in close collaboration with local community groups and ensuring effective access.  For example, we brought together a group of male manual workers to discuss men’s health by working in co-operation with a local employer.

The findings from both stages of consultation activity were presented to the PCT Board, along with an overall report.  A summary report was also provided for general distribution and feedback to participants.  The findings from the clinical pathway consultation were fed back in separate reports to clinical leads to help inform service developments.