Welcome to the ePolitix site for the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH) aimed at MPs and others with an interest in health policy.

The Commission oversees more than 400 Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Forums. These monitor services provided or commissioned by the NHS, and promote the involvement of local people in decision-making. They cover NHS Hospitals Trusts, Primary Care Trusts, Ambulance Trusts and Mental Health Trusts. Every constituency in England potentially has several PPI Forums.

As well as recruiting, supporting and training forum members, the Commission’s national role is to promote the involvement of the public in consultations and decision-making by bodies providing health services to the public. We aim to provide a ‘national voice’ for patients and the public.

Public Engagement is a key strand in Government thinking across a number of Departments, especially the Department of Health, Cabinet Office, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Office. In health, it runs alongside the Choice Agenda and the patient-led NHS.

When done properly, capturing the views of patients and the public before designing services can lead to better decision-making and a more efficient use of resources. It is also a useful means of strengthening public accountability.

Users of services have perspectives that experts may overlook. Involving the public in setting health priorities boosts confidence and improves relations between service users and NHS Professionals.

One of CPPIH’s priorities is to reach individuals and groups whose voices are rarely heard and equip them with the knowledge and confidence to become involved.

Contact: communications@cppih.org or 0845 120 7111