Patient and public involvement

One of the key themes of the current reforms is their emphasis on delivering patient-centred care, through involving patients better in their own care, and by increasing the choices available to patients about their care (including a choice of provider). The RCN is supportive of the overall aims of these measures, although we have raised concerns about their practical implementation, and the implications for the way staff work.

In addition to directly involving patients in their own care, the reforms have also brought in greater focus on the uses and benefits of patient feedback. The main plank of this will be delivered via the use of the "friends and family test", which asks whether patients would recommend a service, and will be supported by greater use of feedback mechanisms such as those offered by NHS Choices and Patient opinion.

Public involvement in the new system is delivered through the Healthwatch Network, comprised of local HealthWatch organisations (which replace LINks) working in local authority areas, and HealthWatch England, a new national organisation, which supports them, as well uses their information to raise concerns at the national level. Together these organisations act as "people's champions" in health and social care, providing a way for patients and the public to influence their local services and provide feedback to influence national decision-making.

RCN resources

The resources on this page are available in PDF format [see how to access PDF files]. Please note: NHS England was known as the NHS Commissioning Board until 1 April 2013, so some resources may use the organisation's original name.

• Download the RCN fact sheet on Local Healthwatch (33.8KB).
• Download the RCN fact sheet on Healthwatch England (30.2KB).
• Download the RCN fact sheet on the friends and family test (PDF 49.1KB).
• Download the RCN statement on patient and public involvement and engagement (PDF 58.8KB).