The best practice project has identified a number of interesting resources for those with an interest in influencing the NHS. Links to relevant documents are included below, together with a brief description of the nature of the publication concerned.

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Making People's Voices Heard
This report, published in 2001, demonstrates how people with long-term medical conditions can contribute to NHS policy
Influencing the NHS
A briefing from Age Concern England Describes the structures that were in place in September 2004 and the opportunities that they present for organisations and older people themselves to influence the NHS
Centre for Public Scrutiny
A practical guide to the health scrutiny support programme, produced by the Centre for Public Scrutiny
User Power
This report was prepared for the National Consumer Council and explores how to increase user participation and make it more effective
Department of Health publication (2004)
Describes how patient and public involvement is influencing service planning and delivery.
Changes and closures of maternity services in England: making the voices of users heard (The National Childbirth Trust, 2003) Written by Elizabeth Manero, this is a particularly helpful guide to national policy and to ensuring that the views of maternity service users are heard throughout the process of consultation and change (Price £12 available from www.nctms.co.uk
Improving Practice Questionnaire Tool Kit (Greco and Carter, 2002)
A useful reference book on public involvement in primary care, with particular emphasis on working with patients to secure improvements based upon the results of a patient survey. Price £17.95 (ISBN 1-902115-23-6)
Stories That Can Change Your Life
This publication, pulled together by the Engaging Communities Learning Network, shares stories where communities have engaged with the NHS in order to reduce health inequalities. Hard copies can be obtained by calling the DoH response line on 08701 555455