Apologies for cross-posting.
Press Release. 26 November 2003
We are pleased to announce that National PALS, the new secretariat for the
National PALS Development Group (NPDG) is now established at The Centre for
Health Information Quality (CHIQ), part of The Help for Health Trust (HfHT).
National PALS will be open during normal office hours, Monday to Friday, and
is available to all PALS staff. National PALS will help the NPDG to deliver
a comprehensive work programme over the coming months and has immediate
responsibilities for:
* Establishing a focal point of contact for all PALS staff
* Producing a national directory of PALS services
The NPDG provides help and support to new and existing PALS through a
networking approach. It also acts as an advisory group for the Department
of Health and other key organisations linked with patient and public
involvement.
NPDG, with CHIQ will also be exploring a range of support mechanisms for
PALS for the future. For this, The Help for Health Trust is collaborating
with specialist consultants Capita Consulting (contact Brian Martin 020
79010049).
Jenny Collins, Chair of the NPDG says:
'This is great news for PALS and PALS staff. The NPDG has a major
commitment to supporting the work of PALS. Linking with CHIQ will help
ensure PALS services have an even stronger voice in the health service.'
CHIQ leads on kitemarking health information for the public, and also works
closely with the Engaging Communities Learning Network (ECLN), part of the
National Primary and Care Trusts (NATPACT). HfHT also hosts a Forum
Support Organisation for the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement
in Health (CPPIH). All HfHT services are key to ensuring patients and the
public are involved and supported in healthcare.
Tom Hain, Manager of CHIQ, says:
'We are delighted to be working in this way with the NPDG. PALS are a major
resource for effective communication within health communities. This is an
ideal alliance, and one that is very much in the interest of patients and
the public.'
National PALS can be contacted as follows :
National PALS
CHIQ
Highcroft
Romsey Road
Winchester
SO22 5DH
Tel: 01962 872205
Fax: 01962 849079
Email: [log in to unmask]
Websites:
PALS, Department of Health
www.doh.gov.uk/patientadviceandliaisonservices
The Help for Health Trust: www.hfht.org
Centre for Health Information Quality www.chiq.org/chiq
Capita Consulting: www.capitaconsulting.co.uk
National Primary and Care Trusts: www.natpact.nhs.uk
<http://www.natpact.nhs.uk>
The Help for Health Trust is a Registered Charity, no. 1001647.
A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, no. 2572617
