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Opportunity to influence Manchester GPs on mental health issues

Apologies, but I've lifted the text of this post from NHS Manchester's website, the current commissioning body in the city. You can read the full article here.

GPs in Manchester would like to hear from local people who want to become involved in designing the future of health services in the city

National NHS reforms are changing the way health services in Manchester will be planned, arranged and funded in the future. Local GPs are forming ‘Clinical Commissioning Groups’ which will work closely with hospitals, community health services and social care services to organise and develop health services which improve the quality of care available in the city.

There are 3 ways people can get involved:

1) Apply to join Patient and Public Advisory Groups. Situated within the Clinical Commissioning Groups and reporting to the Board, these bodies will consist of approximately 12 people who will represent the views of the local community and comment on plans and developments being considered. Members should either live in Manchester or use Manchester health services. Meetings will be held monthly.

2) Join your GP practice’s Patient Participation Group. A number of practices across the city are setting up Patient Participation Groups to help them develop the service they provide and to feed up any local issues to the Clinical Commissioning Group for action. Some Patient Participation Groups will meet regularly, others will be more ‘virtual’ with people being contacted by email to share their thoughts and experiences. People should approach their own GP practice to find out more.

3) Contribute to individual pieces of work. Clinical Commissioning Groups are currently developing a range of different projects looking at specific areas of health care and are keen to hear from people who can inform this work.

Interested parties should email communications@manchester.nhs.uk for further information and to express their interest in any of these opportunities.

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