Involving patients and the public in the NHS

Involving patients and the public in the NHS is a new strategic initiative by the Deparment of Health. Over time it will make a sig- nificant change to how services are designed and delivered. Doctors need to be aware of this new legislation and the change in the patient/clinician dynamic it embraces. In the clinical setting a change of culture is required so that doctors move to working in partnerships with their patients. Within trusts, hospital or otherwise, structures must be in place to ensure appropriate patient/public involvement. Health service workers and the public will need to understand the skills required from both sides for a constructive part- nership to emerge. It is hoped that the prioritising of health service resources in the future will be the result of a more democratic process involving patients, public and health service workers.