Copy
Welcome to the Patients Association Weekly News
Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
Spending round statement - Patients Association's response
The Chancellor, Sajid Javid, outlined the Government’s spending plans for healthcare earlier this week, with extra funding for capital, workforce and social care to plug gaps in the short term. We joined other health leaders in saying the additional funding, while not unwelcome, ultimately doesn't go far enough. 

Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association, said:
“Ahead of his spending round, we urged the Chancellor to take decisive steps in meeting the needs of patients, and of people who need social care. He has delivered some definite good news, but has not been bold: in the context of long-running cuts, he has provided sticking plasters, albeit fair-sized ones; in the context of the need for future reforms, he has made baby steps, but steps all the same. 

“The Chancellor has signalled an end to austerity, with all departmental budgets rising at least in line with inflation. But the sharp cuts of earlier years are not being reversed, and people who rely on welfare benefits in particular will continue to face disadvantages for their health and wellbeing. Ultimately, there is no reason in today’s announcement to think that the NHS won’t endure another crisis-stricken winter in a few months’ time.”

You can read our full response to the Chancellor’s spending round here


Treasury photo adapted from an image by ktanaka on Wikimedia Commons, reproduced under Creative Commons licence.
Read more
A 2019 general election? 
It’s looking increasingly likely that a general election will take place at some point this autumn. While Brexit will no doubt figure heavily in campaigning, parties have given strong indications that health and social care will also be prominent. We are already making plans for our own campaigning during the election period, and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved and take action.

As a first step, we are looking for short video messages from our members and supporters, stating why health and care will matter to you in the election, which we will use online. The videos do not need to be long, and can be shot on a smartphone – if you would like to take part, we will send you a full briefing about what you need to do. 

If you would like to make your voice heard directly in the campaign, let us know by emailing policy@patients-association.com. We'll keep you posted with our work and will be in touch with more information in the coming weeks. 
Get involved
Find it hard to access health information online? Join our focus group
It can sometimes be difficult to find the right health information, advice or guidance online when you or a family member are unwell. With so many different sources available and no concrete way of knowing that any of the web pages online are accurate and trustworthy, looking for advice and guidance on the Internet can feel like a bit of a maze. 

We’re exploring whether the needs of people aged 60 and over are being met online and would like to invite you to join our focus group in Birmingham on Monday 30 September from 9.30am to 2pm. If you’ve ever found looking for information online overwhelming, or asked how you know information is accurate, up to date and from a trusted source, then you’ll want to join our discussion. Your contribution will make a difference in shaping the way information is presented in future. Places are limited so contact anna.shears@patients-association.org.uk to reserve your seat. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed and we’re also offering a high street shopping voucher to participants for their time.
Take part
NHS England recruiting for patient representatives
NHS England is recruiting four patient representatives for the Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG). This is the body that makes formal recommendations about how NHS England should decide its priorities for specialised services. The post is being advertised for a length of one year in the first instance, which will then be renewable for a period of up to three years.

The role of patient public members of the CPAG is to:
  • Bring independent judgement and experience from a patient perspective
  • Act as an ambassador for patient and public participation
  • Provide strategic advice and assurance that the views of patients and the public have been sought and considered in the delivery of the commissioning products presented for consideration by CPAG.
The deadline for applications is 15 September 2019. Find out more about the vacancies here.  
Read more
Attend Patient Safety Learning's annual conference
Patient Safety Learning’s annual conference takes place on 2 October in London, and patients and members of the public are invited to attend. 

Rachel Power, the Patients Association’s Chief Executive, will be speaking at the event, along with an array of national experts and leaders in healthcare including Professor Ted Baker, Chief Inspector of Hospitals at the Care Quality Commission, and Professor Alison Leary, Chair of Healthcare and Workforce Modelling at London South Bank University. The annual Patient Safety Learning Awards will also be presented at the event, with the conference closing with a drinks reception.

While tickets are typically priced at £199, Patient Safety Learning has reserved a number of complimentary tickets for patients, carers or patient representatives. You can apply for tickets by emailing info@patientsafetylearning.org, putting 'Patient tickets' in the subject line. 

In the text of your email, please include:
  • Your name and address
  • The number of tickets you want (four max)
  • How you heard about the ticket offer
  • Whether you are applying as patient yourself, as a carer for a patient, or as a patient representative. If you are, or were, a carer for a patient, it is ok to apply even if the patient is unable to come or if they are sadly no longer with us.
  • Your interest in patient safety.
Patient Safety Learning will review applications. Tickets are limited and the deadline for applications is 25 September. If you have any questions or would like more information, email info@patientsafetylearning.org. 
Consider supporting the Patients Association with a legacy
All of us at some time will need to access health and social care services, and the Patients Association is committed to supporting all patients, their carers and their families. Last year we supported thousands of people with their health and social care concerns and queries – but we need your support to help us continue this important work.

Leaving a donation in your will can allow us to continue providing our helpline, reaching more patients who need help or information about their care. A legacy can also support our campaigns for the changes to healthcare services that are desperately needed. Next week marks the start of Remember a Charity Week, a campaign that encourages more people to consider leaving gifts in wills, after taking care of family and loved ones. No matter how big or how small, anything you can give will be greatly appreciated. Find out more about leaving a legacy here.
Read more
Our helpline: providing free and confidential advice
Our helpline is central to our overall mission, and we hear from thousands of people needing support and guidance each year. We offer reliable, practical support and trustworthy information to help patients make sense of the complex health and social care system. We work to ensure that people understand their rights as a patient, carer or family member, and 96% of callers would recommend our helpline to their friends and family. 

Whether your experience has been positive or one that could have been better, we’d like to hear from you to see what we can do to help. Our partnership with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) means when you call our helpline or email us, it makes a real difference.

To get in touch with our helpline team and share your thoughts of health and care services, call 020 8423 8999, email helpline@patients-association.com or visit our website. We also operate a Live Chat function on weekdays between 2 - 5pm for people who wish to receive advice online. 
Contact our helpline
What our team is reading this week
Life-saving organ transplant opportunities being missed
Vegan and vegetarian diets 'link to higher stroke risk'
Stress in pregnancy 'makes child personality disorder more likely'
Significant failings in care by Great Ormond Street Hospital
Why are so many nursing students failing to complete their training?

About Us

Our vision is that health and social care will be delivered in a way that meets every person’s health and social care needs.

Our mission is to give effect to the patient voice, to improve patient experience and support people to engage fully in their own care. Find out more about our values on our website

Share Share
Tweet Tweet
Forward Forward
Copyright © 2019 The Patients Association, All rights reserved.


Our full privacy policy is available on our website.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

The Patients Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (1006733).  A company limited by guarantee.  Registered company in England and Wales (02620761)
Registered address:  P Block, Northwick Park Hospital, The North West Hospitals NHS Trust, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3YJ