We are seeing a growing number of queries from both Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and Trust clients around consultation and patient public involvement issues.
These relate to quite a spectrum of issues such as:
- Extent of duty to involve at different stages
- The impact of a change of site
- What happens when an ICB changes boundaries
- Splitting roles between providers and commissioners
- Extent of involvement with the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
- Reviewing consultation documents
- Reviewing a draft service change policy
- Reconfiguration of primary care services
- Dealing with issues raised by Health Watch
- In patient bed closures
- Hospital closures
- Threatened judicial reviews
The list goes on!
We thought it might therefore be helpful to remind readers of the guidance issued last summer by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, Working in Partnership with People and Communities. Read our article here where we explain what you need to know if you are involved in plans, proposals, and decisions regarding NHS services.
If you need support with any of the issues discussed here, do get in touch with Jill Mason, Samuel Lindsay or Katrina McCrory.