The Department of Health has published a White Paper detailing proposed changes in some of the ways that the NHS will work.  They are asking the public to have their say, but you will only be able to do so until 10th October.  Visit their website:

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/index.htm

There will be a free event to discuss the implications and impact of the changes.  This will be held on 14th September at the Conference Centre, Coaver Hall, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter from 10.30 am until 3.30 pm.  You can find out more about it and download a booking form on:

 www.regionalvoices.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/White-Paper-Events-Booking-Form2.doc

You can find out more PLYMOUTH CITY COUNCIL CONSULTATION ON DRAFT CARERS STRATEGY 2009 TO 2012

Plymouth City Council has published its Draft Carers Strategy.  You can see it in detail by clicking on the link below:

http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/carers_strategy_2009_2012.pdf

They want to hear from you by 28th February 2010, in particular on:

• key priorities of the strategy

• carers services available

• aims for the future

To have your say, download their questionnaire at :

http://www.plymouth.gov,uk/draft_carers_strategy_questionnaire.pdf

 Then either write to them at:

           Adult Social Care Commissioning Team
           Community Services Directorate,
           Plymouth City Council, 
           Plymouth,
           PL1 2AA.

or email your comments directly to:

 aschq@plymouth.gov.uk

NHS CONSULTATION ON NEW PATIENT RIGHTS

Below is a link to the consultation of the NHS constitution, setting out patient rights, and the pledges made by the NHS to those who use its services.

http://www.plymouthpct.nhs.uk/AboutUs/Pages/newsarticle124.aspx

If you would like to have a say in the constitution, please send your comments to: 

Sally Parker
Patient & Public Involvement Lead
NHS Plymouth
Building 1
Derriford Business Park
Brest Road
Plymouth
PL6 5QZ

Feedback from Unity Plymouth Event

Unity Plymouth is a group with the aim of championing the interests of people from Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) backgrounds in Plymouth.   It is aimed at giving BME people a voice and empowering them to lead in bringing about inclusion and social cohesion in Plymouth.   The main areas of interest for Unity Plymouth are Health, Education, Employment, Crime and Housing.

Unity meets monthly and during December 2009 Plymouth LINk was there to talk to members about their experiences of health and social care services.   The following were the main themes that came up from the event:

• Some differences in people’s expectations of what health services should provide and what they actually do, i.e. expectation of having medication prescribed without a consultation
• Issues around health professionals expecting friends and families to interpret, which can be inappropriate and not particularly accurate.
• Difficulty accessing NHS dentist/lack of NHS dentist
• Issues for asylum seekers who have not had a decision about their status needing serious but not emergency care and not being able to access it
• A need was identified for a medical professional such as a female midwife or other female professional who knows about women’s issues to go into the Kurdish community and talk to the Kurdish women
• Positive feedback about health Visitor