DEVELOPMENTS in the provision of health services and greater patient involvement go under the spotlight at two special meetings being held in Tavistock next week. The open sessions have been organised by South Hams and West Devon Primary Care Trust and aim to inform people about new services that could be provided at the town?s hospital and how residents can get involved in the planning of healthcare services. A spokesman for the PCT said: ?The Government white paper Our Health, Our Care, Our Say, highlights the different ways of providing new opportunities for care to be given closer to home, improving the patient?s experience, offering choice, as well as achieving better value for money. ?To take full advantage of this, GPs in the Tavistock area and community hospital staff are working closely together to ensure the local population benefits. ?This is really important, as they can now significantly influence the way local services are purchased, provided and delivered that best meets the needs of patients.? The spokesman said the involvement of patients, carers and the public was seen as a key element in making sure local innovation was encouraged and that quality of care is patient-centred and of a good standard. ?Involving staff, patients and carers from the very beginning in a new planning process, and sustaining this throughout, ensures you are well informed, able to comment, get involved, make choices and most importantly, are realistic about what can be achieved in the short and long term.? To find out more, residents in the Tavistock area are being urged to attend an open session at Tavistock Methodist Church on Monday September 4 between 10am and noon or on Wednesday September 6, between 4pm and 6pm. Refreshments will be provided ? all are welcome. Anyone who would like more information about the meetings should call Dilys Slater, patient and public involvement manager, on 01803 861829.
