Patient Participation Group

The Patients Forum is a network of national and regional organisations concerned with the healthcare interests of patients and their families and carers. Full membership is open to national and umbrella organisations representing the interests of users of health services and their families and carers. Associate Membership (non-voting) membership is open to other bodies such as professional and academic organisations, service providers and statutory and regulatory bodies. The remit of The Patients Forum is to: Promote discussion about health issues with organisations representing patients and carers Improve arrangements for communication, timely consultation and liaison between the health consumer network and government and relevant statutory and professional organisations The aim of the Patients Forum is to: Provide a forum for national and regional organisations representing the interests of people who use health services to share experiences, information and ideas, to strengthen their work and to participate in informing and influencing decision-makers. What does the Patients Forum do? The Patients Forum influences policy, disseminates information and promotes networking by: Meeting regularly to debate subjects of interest, including briefing sessions on NHS policies Liaising with key players in the health field, including the Department of Health and professional bodies Producing policy briefings and updates on issues that impact on patients and carers Exchanging information at meetings and via email and the website between member organisations about issues, campaigns and events