West Lancashire (2)

Public Participation- a comprehensive and systematic approach

At its inception the PCT created a Directorate with explicit responsibility for engaging with the local population and its staff and to optimise opportunities for these stakeholders to shape the priorities, services and culture of the PCT. The Directorate also had responsibility for the enhancement of cross-agency partnership approaches to meet local needs and aspirations.

This structural development was reinforced by the Directorate immediately being visible and accessible to the local community in the development of a 5 year strategy setting out needs, current barriers to services and innovative approaches to improve wellbeing. This strategy and resultant action plan, constantly refreshed through continual engagement, has dictated investment, produced tangible results and provided a clear rationale for change. It has also provided a legitimate process to harness support for the closure of acute based services, the enhancement of community-based services and the development of partnership approaches to previously intractable issues.

The strategic approach has been consolidated by a comprehensive induction programme for members of the public to participate in decision making for a (including an editorial group and opportunities for volunteers), support for new recruits through buddying, training and reimbursement policy. West Lancashire PCT thus have over 750 individual members of local communities who regular participate in the work of the organisation and our partnership orientated annual health fair attracts in excess of 200 people.

The PPG feels the critical factors for success are:

•  Top level commitment to public participation which is highly visible and accessible

•  Willingness to listen and respond appropriately and openly

•  Demonstrable changes as a result of involvement

Contact Details:

Simon Kenton
Director of Partnership & Public Participation
Maureen Kirwan
Deputy Director of Partnership & Public Participation
Maureen.Kirwan@westlancspct.nhs.uk Tel 01695 598075 2