An interesting point in a SOLACE booklet making the point that involving patients or the public who only occasionally use a service is unlikely to succeed, they just want it when they want it. Tapping into people who have a long-term condition and are focused on what is needed to help with that, on the other hand, are more likely to have the expertise and experience to provide useful insights for professionals. Of course, Smallwood, one of the authors, would argue that wouldn’t he, he runs a long-term conditions organisations (Diabetes UK). I agree with this and think that we need to be a lot more thoughtful about who we involve with what, and make their involvement really relevant.

Corrigan, P. and Smallwood, D (2008) how the public is on the side of NHS change. In Burton, M. (ed.)(2008) Innovation through People. London: Guardian Public: 34-6.

Pics of the rebuilding at St Christopher’s, now under way, in solidarity with all colleagues working through a difficult time, to make things better in the future:
No way through