Consumer Network

Aim: to involve members of the public, including patients and carers, in HealthQwest research and dissemination

The involvement of members of the public, including patients and carers, in health decision-making is at the heart of the modernisation of the NHS. Research indicates that patient involvement increases patient satisfaction and reduces anxiety as well as facilitating better relationships with professionals and positive health effects. In Scotland health professionals know that it is important to work closely with patients and carers so that they can provide the type of services that people need and the Executive acknowledges that 'It is no longer good enough to simply do things to people; a modern healthcare service must do things with the people it serves'.

At HealthQWest we would like the research that we carry out to be important to the people who use services. However, it can be difficult to find out about the type of services and support that people need. For example, people may not have access to relevant information about available services, or they not know who to tell about the things that might help them. We are also aware that members of the public have busy lives to lead and may feel unable to spend time advising, or working with, health professionals.

In order to try to find out about some of the things that are important to people living in the West of Scotland, whether you are patient, carer, or service provider, we would like to hear from you. We would like to hear about things that you think might have an impact on your health, as well as your experiences of using health and social services in your area.

If you would like to be involved with HealthQWest, either by telling us what you think about issues that are important to you, sharing your story with others, or more active involvement in a research project, please contact Pauline Banks who will be pleased to discuss potential levels of involvement with you.

Dr Pauline Banks
School of Health, Nursing and Midwifery
University of the West of Scotland
Hamilton
ML3 0JB

Tel: 01698 2831000 ext 557
Email: pauline.banks@uws.ac.uk