The NHS Constitution

The Public-Patient Involvement team was recently commended by NHS West Midlands for its efforts in generating feedback on the draft NHS Constitution.

The team sent out information to community groups and individuals across east and north Birmingham to encourage them to comment on the draft constitution by either taking part in an online survey, attending a local public meeting or responding directly to NHS West Midlands or the Department of Health. Staff were also encouraged to complete the online survey.

The draft constitution was also sent to all GPs across east and north Birmingham, the trust’s Citizens Panel comprising 1,000 local people, the LINk Transition Group and the Birmingham City Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Comments received from people were fed into the final document which was published nationally in January 2009. In recognition of the trust’s support, a patient and a member of the PPI team were invited to attend the official launch of the constitution and meet the Prime Minister.