The NHS GP Patient Survey
National PPG Forum – Educational/Speaker Programme
Wednesday 4th November 2026 15.00–16.00
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The National Patient Participation Group Forum (NPPGF) is delighted to announce that for our next educational session we have Eileen Irvin, Co-Head of Survey Research Methods Centre and Molly Dawson, Research Manager from Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, who will speak about the GP Patient Survey (GPPS).
For more info and to reserve your place follow this link
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Latest Patient Safety Data
The NHS publish quarterly official statistics (in development) on events recorded to the Learn from Patient Safety Events (LFPSE) service. This quarterly publication is based on patient safety event records submitted between January 2026 and March 2026
What Immigration Really Means for the Future of the NHS
The NHS is in a tough spot right now. Between long waiting times, struggling GP surgeries, and a social care system that is holding on by goodwill, charities and a thread, it’s a frequent topic of conversation.
But when we talk about fixing healthcare in the UK, the conversation almost always collides with another massive topic: immigration.
Depending on who you ask, immigration is either the ultimate lifeline keeping our hospitals open, or it's a major source of pressure on local services that are already maxed out. The truth is likely to be a bit of both.
Read more and have your say on the blog pages
Overseas-born workers play a vital role in Britain’s health and care service
By Justin Jewitt
More than 330,000 staff employed by NHS hospital trusts and integrated care boards in England reported a non-UK nationality in January 2026, highlighting the substantial contribution of international staff to patient care.
The figures, published in a parliamentary answer on 8 April, recorded 330,982 staff reporting non-UK nationality—approximately 21.4% of the workforce covered. However, this measures self-reported nationality, rather than birthplace, and does not cover the whole NHS or the wider UK health and care sector. (questions-statements.parliament.uk
A broader picture comes from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Its analysis of the 2021 Census found that almost one in four people working in human health activities in England and Wales—24.9%—were born outside the UK. Across the wider human health and social work sector, the proportion was 22.9%. These figures cover workers across public and private services. (ons.gov.uk, ons.gov.uk)
The overseas-born contribution was particularly substantial in medicine. Nearly half of specialist doctors, including professionals such as cardiologists and oncologists, were born outside the UK. The proportion was 47.5%, compared with 40.6% among generalist medical practitioners. (ons.gov.uk)
International staff also make an important contribution to nursing and social care. The census found that 26.9% of mental health nurses and 25.3% of care workers and home carers in England and Wales were born overseas. Although these are historical figures, they demonstrate how extensively health and care services draw on people born in other countries. (ons.gov.uk)
Understanding the figures
Three different measures are often used when discussing the international workforce: country of birth, nationality and country of professional training.
Someone born overseas may have British citizenship and have completed all their professional training in the UK. Equally, a British-born doctor may have qualified abroad.
These groups overlap, so their figures cannot be added together to produce a total. Professional registers also include people outside NHS employment and do not necessarily show how many are currently providing patient care.
The January 2026 NHS nationality figures have a further limitation: they cover hospital trusts and integrated care boards in England. They do not provide a comprehensive count across GP practices, independent healthcare, social care, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The parliamentary answer also cautioned that self-reported nationality can sometimes reflect a person’s heritage rather than current citizenship. (questions-statements.parliament.uk)
Social care’s changing recruitment picture
International recruitment has been especially significant in adult social care in England.
Skills for Care reported that new international recruits increased from approximately 10,000 in 2020/21 to 105,000 in 2023/24. The latter figure covered people entering direct care roles in the independent sector. Recruitment subsequently fell to around 50,000 in 2024/25. These are annual recruitment figures, rather than totals for the overseas-born workforce. (skillsforcare.org.uk, skillsforcare.org.uk, skillsforcare.org.uk)
The distinction matters: a fall in new recruits does not mean that the same number of existing staff have left. Nevertheless, changes in international recruitment affect the supply of people available to support care services.
What this means for patients
Taken together, the figures show that people born overseas form a substantial part of the workforce delivering healthcare and social care, with particularly high proportions in medicine.
They also reveal a gap in the available evidence. The sources examined do not provide a single, current and directly comparable headcount of everyone born overseas who works across the UK’s health and social care services.
The practical implication for workforce planning is clear: recruiting and retaining staff already here, developing the domestic workforce and planning international recruitment need to be considered together.
For patients, overseas-born staff are an established part of the teams providing treatment, supporting recovery and helping people live independently
Welcome to the website that supports patients, PPGs, Hospital Patient Panels, and community based Patient Healthcare Groups.
Our members come from all over Herts and many have a long history of working with the regional ICB to ensure the patient voice is heard by the NHS decision makers.
Welcome to the Patient Engagement Platform
October Health News
NATIONAL NEWS.
LONGEVITY.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that in the middle of 2025 there were an estimated 581,400 people aged 90 or over in England and Wales and that in July 2026 there were estimated to be 15,172 aged 100 or over.
However, health care provision was not keeping up with the rising numbers. It was estimated that 1,850 more geriatricians need to be trained by 2030 to ensure that there is one doctor for every 500 patients aged 85 and over.
In fact, an analysis by the Nuffield Trust showed that in 2025 some 43 per cent of patients aged over 80 faced a wait of 12 hours between arrival in A&E and admission to a hospital ward, compared with 19 per cent of those aged 21-30.
10-YEAR NATIONAL CANCER PLAN.
The NHS’s 2026 Cancer Plan has set several targets, one of which is to ensure that by March 2027 some 80 per cent of patients in England will start cancer treatment within 60 days of an urgent GP referral. However, specialists in the field have suggested that the 60 day target, and others, are unlikely to be achieved. There is a high level of staff absence, a large number of missed appointments, a host of diagnostic bottle-necks, a lack of follow-up and too many administrative delays. In addition, there is an over-all shortage of staff and equipment.
Can anyone suggest a remedy?
POLYPHARMACY.
In September the Sunday Times claimed that almost 8 million people in the UK are at risk of adverse medical side effects because they are being prescribed 5 or more drugs to take daily, and that about 2.2 million people take 10 drugs a day. It wrote that as many as 1,000 elderly patients a day are admitted to hospital after suffering a preventable reaction to a drug they are taking, and recommended that anyone aged over 65 considered frail and taking 10 or more drugs a day should have an annual prescription review.
THE LETBY REPORT (The Thirlwall Enquiry).
The Report noted that nurse Letby had been found guilty of 7 cases of murder and 7 of attempted murder. It concluded that the parents had been kept in the dark until she was arrested, that there had been a complete failure at all levels to invoke safe-guarding procedures, that managers had defended her and told doctors to apologise to her, and that consultants should have gone to the police earlier. It further concluded that managers were inadequate, had hindered the police, and had not accepted that they had a duty of candour. That seems to have been the case in maternity units elsewhere.
MARTHA’s LAW.
The right to a second opinion is to be extended from in-hospital care to A&E in England by March 2028 and some trials are in progress.
POPPY’s PROMISE.
Poppy Russell died in the Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, in 2021 whilst the Trust’s maternity provision was being investigated. It was found that 201 babies and 9 mothers might have been saved if they had received better care.
Poppy’s parents are now working with the hospital to promote Poppy’s Promise, consisting of four core principles: show compassion, respect patients’ feelings, value their opinion, involve them in their care.
Have we heard those laudable aspirations before?
JW October 2026
You can comment for free as a guest on any of our blog articles here
The Voice of the Patient
The PEP wants to hear from you about the issues that are important to Patients in your Patient Groups. There are many opportunities to provide your healthcare service specific feedback on important Healthcare Developments and Improvement projects happening in our ICB. If you have a message please send it to the Editor@thepatientengagementplatform.org.uk
The new Central East ICB met in Public 25th September 2026
Read the meeting book here
and members of the PEP were asking questions
To view the CE ICB board members click here
The next board meeting in public is on the 18th December 2026.
New content and links
A new feature that lists all the Central East ICB GP surgeries and their patient populations. Search for your practice by entering the name in the box below or click the box to see all practices.
It’s the season for……. flu and covid jabs.
Want to know more about vaccinations and how they save lives?
Reducing the incidence of inappropriate indwelling urinary catheterisation
By: June Rogers
There are a variety of reasons as to why a patient may require an indwelling catheter, however, these are seldom documented or communicated across healthcare services (Codd, 2013). Thus, shortterm catheters are at risk of becoming long-term catheters in the absence of clear documentation and forward planning. The risk of infection increases the longer a urinary catheter remains in situ. This article explores the guidance available to support appropriate urinary catheter use, catheter management, documentation, forward planning and patient education for effective catheter care. How this can be implemented to support appropriate removal of urinary catheters or ongoing care for long-term urinary catheter use for patients across the primary and secondary care services is also discussed.
Unsafe Discharge?
Were you admitted to hospital in the last year?
When it came time to leave, was the right support in place? Could you leave when you were meant to?
Or did you have to stay in hospital for longer than necessary?
We want to learn more about your experience of being discharged from hospital, to help us see where and how this process could work better for people.
Our survey is confidential and takes about 10 - 15 minutes. Tell us your story.
| Practice | GP code | PCN ↕ | Area | Patients (no.) ↕ |
|---|
Source: Central East ICB GP list, August 2026.
Herts. County Council Dementia support Grant Application
Following very positive responses to our previous funding rounds, Hertfordshire County Council is pleased to offer a further opportunity for voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations who are working in the community to support people with dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment and/or their carers.
The application form is easy to complete and can be requested from Community.Wellbeing@hertfordshire.gov.uk>
The deadline to apply for this small grant opportunity 11.59pm on Monday 9 Nov 2026. Grants will be issued this financial year (i.e. before 30 March 2027) but projects can continue into the next financial year.
Free support for parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people
Parents and carers of neurodivergent children and young people in Hertfordshire can access free, confidential support through the Hertfordshire Neurodiversity Support Hub, run by ADD-vance ADHD and Autism Trust.
The Hub provides a friendly and understanding space for parents and carers to access guidance, practical support strategies, signposting to other services, or simply have someone listen. You do not need a formal diagnosis to use the service, making it a useful source of support for families who may be seeking advice or exploring whether their child may be neurodivergent.
The specially trained team of call handlers are all experts by experience, with their own experience of parenting neurodivergent children. This means they understand the challenges families can face and can offer a supportive, non-judgemental listening ear.
The service is also available to professionals who are looking for information, guidance or signposting relating to neurodiversity.
How to get in touch
📞 Phone/WhatsApp: 01727 833963
✉️ Email: supporthub@add-vance.org
Term time opening hours:
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9am–1pm
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am–3pm
Wednesday evening: 7pm–9pm by appointment
School holiday opening hours:
Monday–Friday: 9am–1pm
Whether you are looking for practical strategies, information about other sources of support, or simply someone who understands, the Hertfordshire Neurodiversity Support Hub is there to help.
For further information about the Hub, as well as the wider range of support services and training available through ADD-vance, visit their website.
Patient Knows Best
What is it and why has it appeared in my NHS App Account? Read more here.
Live Longer Better
Information for every Citizen in the UK on staying fit and active and healthy. Part of the NHS campaign to encourage all of us to do things to improve our health in later life.
Click here to learn more
Professor Sir Muir Gray CBE MD
The NHS Live Longer Better System
The NHS Pelvic Mesh Scandal
The NHS pelvic mesh scandal concerns the widespread use of synthetic surgical mesh—particularly transvaginal mesh and mesh tapes/slings—to treat women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). For some women, the implants caused severe and sometimes irreversible complications. The scandal became as much about failure to listen to patients, inadequate consent, poor device surveillance and fragmented regulation as about the mesh itself.
Listen to the THC Podcast here
Read more and leave your comments here
Join a health walk in your area, following this link to find out more.
Help Herts Community NHS Trust
What do you think of their website https://www.hct.nhs.uk/
How well does it meet these criteria…….
Accessibility
Ease of navigation
Content accuracy
Usefulness of content (how to contact services, knowing what to expect)
Let us know at Editor@thepatientengagementplatform.org.uk
An update from the NHS on new plans for a single patient record
The latest CQC report on inpatient Hospital care .
The report indicates that about 1 in 4 patients that needed it were not given adequate discharge guidance.
Read the summary on hospital care in England here
Click here to read the survey report for your local hospital
Dr Penny Dash talks about utilisation of GP Surgeries and NHS Online
The NHS may have “twice as much” floor space for GP practices and associated services as it actually needs, the chair of NHS England has said……
GP Contract 2026/27: Key Points and New Requirements
We asked people with sight loss to tell us what barriers they face to accessing healthcare.
Among the challenges faced, people said it can be hard to get information in formats they understand, and that buildings aren’t designed in a way that’s easy for them to find their way around.
Read what people told us in our latest blog, and what can be done to make it easier for people with sight loss to get the care they deserve.
Read our bullet point summary of the changes and additions to the GP contract for 2026-27 click here
What does the new Central East ICB say about Patient engagement?
Follow this link and download and read their new guide.
To download a copy of this document click here
MPs to debate NHS single patient record
“...concerns have been raised, by the British
Medical Association among others, about the
sensitivity of patient data and who will have
access...”
“....we need clarity that this important GP
oversight will not be taken away, otherwise it
will raise serious questions about who is
safeguarding patients' data." (BBC)
In England, more than one in 10 people aged over 65 take at least eight different prescribed medications each week. This increases to nearly one in four people aged over 85. In 2017/18, the NHS spent more on prescription medicines than ever before - £18.2 billion, 40 per cent more than was spent in 2010/11. More than 60% of the prescriptions made in the community are for people aged over 60. It is estimated that up to 50 per cent of all medicines for long term conditions are not taken as intended and around one in five prescriptions for older people living at home may be inappropriate.
Learn more about the relationship between your medicines and falls & frailty here
Falls & Frailty & Medicines
Explore England's prescribing data
Every month, the NHS in England publishes anonymised data about prescriptions issued by GPs. How to run your own analysis click here
Wasted Medicines could fill 75 swimming pools BBC article
Olivier Picard, chair of the NPA, ( based in St Albans) said: "As soon as a medicine leaves a pharmacy, even if it is not used and is unopened, it must be disposed of so it is important patients only get [the medication] they are sure they will use."
Live Longer Better is a new approach developed by the NHS to give people the knowledge and support not only to live longer but to live well for longer, minimising that period at the end of life when one is dependent on other people for even the most basic of tasks. Obviously the NHS cannot do it on its own. Every other government service has a part to play and so too do communities , both national, like AgeUK and local like faith organisations - churches, mosques and synagogues - and local clubs and societies
Condition Specific Articles & Links
Checking for Prostate Cancer, a BBC News guide click here.
Read the Blog Page from the East of England senate on Back Pain click here
Urine test can spot more than nine in 10 bladder cancers
BBC article here
Principles for shared decision making and patient consent for elective surgery
‘Consent is given by patients, not taken by clinicians. The duty of the clinician is to inform a patient of the reasonable treatment options that are available and the risks and benefits of each. Patients must be made aware that it’s their choice whether or not to have treatment and that they can change their mind at any time’
Results of the 2025 National cancer patient survey,
what should the NHS do next?
NHS England to offer women ‘game changing’ free home testing kits for cervical cancer
Millions of women in England who have missed cervical screening appointments will be offered free home testing kits on the NHS.
The move comes amid concerns that only two-thirds of women attend in-person cervical screening appointments when asked to do so, leaving as many as 4 million women not up to date.
Preparing for Surgery
The resources in this toolkit are designed to help you get fitter and better prepared for surgery. Evidence shows that fitter patients recover from surgery quicker and experience fewer complications and delays.
This information will be particularly useful to people who are considering having surgery or are on a waiting list for surgery (elective surgery). It has been written by healthcare professionals from various medical specialties working together with patient representatives.
The Patient Participation Group Support Pages
We are developing tools to help you grow your PPG, improve your communications and help you reach more patients.
Let us know if you would like to post your details and information on this website.
The way general practices are contracted and funded is complex and very different from other parts of the health and care system.
This explainer sets out how general practices are contracted and paid in England, looking at the services they are contracted to deliver, and the different streams of funding they receive
What is a PCN and how does it work?
Could your PPG be rated as outstanding?
Follow this guide and see how you score.
Learn more about patient support agencies such as the King’s Fund and Healthwatch here
Learn more about our PPG Buddy Programme, get support, and help your PPG develop
Learn more about our PPG Maturity Matrix
A PPG based Continuous Improvement Project to reduce Primary Care Did Not Attend levels (DNAs)
A guide to GDPR for PPGs click here
GP PRACTICE PATIENT GROUPS (PPGs) and the PPG NETWORK.
From our guest publication the St Albans and Harpenden Patient Participation Group Newsletter
A useful map of all the PPGs in H&WE . click here
CQC Inspections Analysis: Reports
Published in June 2026
“In this monthly report, FPM looks in
detail at what the CQC have publicly
reported from their GP practice
inspections during June 2026, all
anonymised. We highlight some of
the behaviours that won practices
Outstanding ratings, and the reasons
some practices were scored
Requires Improvement, or...” (First
Practice Management)
This article was selected by PPGUKNews in its monthly digest of Healthcare related news. If you would like to subscibe and receive a monthly report directly please email ppguknews@gmail.com . Please mention your PPG membership.
Do you want to know how Your Practice performed in the annual NHS survey in 2026, carried out by IPSOS. Follow this link
Massive Differences in GP List Size
Up to eight-fold differences in the numbers of patients on GPs’ lists in areas of England, new analysis reveals.
The list size of fully trained, full-time equivalent GPs is so variable throughout the country that GPs in one area have an average lists of over 8,000 patients while in another area list sizes average of fewer than 1,000 patients. Read more here
Access to a comprehensive guide to support services for armed forces veterans.
Learn about our the Spring/Summer 2025 PEP Blood Pressure Awareness project in association with the NHS and the British Heart Foundation
The Hertfordshire & Central East Healthcare Page
To read this new NHS East & North Herts publication please Click here.
The Better Health Bus
The Better Health Bus is a mobile health unit that offers a range of health and wellbeing services across Hertfordshire. Designed to help residents who may find it difficult to access traditional health services, the bus provides free, friendly support right in the heart of local communities.
To learn more about the Bus schedule and the services it offers pls follow this link.
Dear Patient
South and West Hertfordshire Health and Care Partnership are looking at how they currently deliver joined up Dermatology, Gynaecology and Musculo-Skeletal care in the local area.
They are seeking patient engagement at an early stage in this work, to ensure these services work in the best way possible for patients.
If you have experienced any of the three services below in the last two years they would like to hear about your experiences so any future changes in service delivery are focussed on what works best for the patient. Your experience may have been through your GP, hospital, physiotherapy, pharmacy or other NHS or partner agency services or a combination of these.
If you are willing to be involved please contact westherts.strategy@nhs.net and you will be contacted directly.
Or see the posters below……..
Walking in Hertfordshire
Get out and enjoy the Herts. countryside and art work and improve your health at the same time, ideas here.
My Healthy Pregnancy – Share Your Views
Hertfordshire Public Health is seeking input from midwives, obstetricians, GPs and healthcare professionals to help improve how healthy lifestyles during pregnancy are supported across the county. By taking part, you will help ensure that the experiences and perspectives of frontline professionals shape future support for pregnant women and families in Hertfordshire. Get involved by completing a short survey or join a focus group.
We also want to hear from Hertfordshire residents
We are inviting residents aged 18 and over who are currently pregnant, have been pregnant, or have had a baby within the last two years to share their experiences of healthy eating, physical activity, weight gain and the support available during pregnancy. Residents can complete the residents survey or take part in a focus group or interview.
As a thank you, participants who attend a focus group or interview will receive a £20 Boots voucher. Both surveys will remain open until end of September, with focus groups and interviews taking place throughout August and September.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact Vickie.Rowland@hertfordshire.gov.uk and Harriet.Rowthorn@hertfordshire.gov.uk
Live longer better …..in Hertfordshire
If you live in Dacorum, Hertsmere, St Albans, Watford or Three Rivers, join local people to share your experiences and ideas.
Have you or someone you care for experienced cancer, an ongoing health condition, or health changes that affect everyday activities or independence?
We want to hear from you!
Herts. Mental Health Events
Hertfordshire and Mid Essex Talking Therapies is launching a new mental health podcast, Let’s Open Up, on 16 September to encourage open conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
The podcast will feature honest and insightful discussions with people who have lived experience of mental health challenges, alongside mental health professionals and special guests.
Across the series, listeners will hear conversations on a wide range of topics, including therapy, neurodiversity, perinatal mental health and emotional wellbeing. The aim is to share experiences, reduce stigma and provide practical information and support for anyone interested in mental health.
To find out more, join the mailing list and follow ‘Let’s Open Up’ on your preferred platform: www.hpft-talkingtherapies.nhs.uk/self-help-webinar-library/podcast
Health Care News and analysis
New Healthcare Legislation?
What is the government saying in the new Health Bill? The Bill is currently awaiting input from informed members of the public. Have your say with us, read the short article in Healthcare News and message the editor@thepatientengagementplatform.org.uk
Also read a short history of the patient voice in Hertfordshire
The Casey Commission: Creating a National Care Service
The Prime Minister has agreed that Baroness Louise Casey will chair an independent commission into adult social care. The commission will be undertaken in two phases with the final phase reporting back by 2028 into the Prime Minister.
Phase one The commission should start a national conversation about what adult social care should deliver for citizens and build consensus with the public on how best to meet the current and future needs of the population. It will consider older people’s care and support for working age disabled adults separately, recognising that these services meet different needs.
This should report in 2026. read more here
NHS DENTISTRY.
Just before Stephen Kinnock moved from his position as a Minister of State at the Department of Health and Social Care in July 2026, he announced a complicated package of measures intended to tackle a slow-burning crisis in NHS dentistry. In cash terms, spending on NHS dentistry had fallen between 2010-2011 and 2024-2025. Taking inflation into account, spending had fallen by £500 million from 2021-2022 to 2024-2025.
During the last ten years, nearly 600 dental practices have ceased to provide NHS dental care. The British Dental Association attributes the fall to the compulsory closure of practices during Covid and to contact that dentists had with the NHS, many NHS dental treatments being loss-making. In 2026 an investigation by the BBC found that 6 in 10 adults had not seen an NHS dentist in the last two years. Of those who had attempted to get a new NHS appointment in the last two years, only 38% had been successful.
The reduction in access to NHS dental care had varied from region to region being worst in the south west and the east of England. Figures for the area of Herts and West Essex ICB show that from March 2017 to March 2026, the number of dental practices offering NHS care fell from 184 to 171, a decline of -7.1%. Will the trend will be halted or reversed? JW/9/26
THE PEP WELCOMES YOUR EXPERIENCE AND INFORMATION ABOUT THESE ISSUES.
Baroness Casey National Care service
A submission to the enquiry from a Herts. PEP member
Executive summary
Adult social care in England is under unsustainable pressure. Demand is rising rapidly, yet access is increasingly restricted by tight eligibility rules, workforce shortages, underfunded providers and a lack of national transparency about unmet need.
Over time, publicly funded provision has not kept pace with demographic change. As a result, access is effectively rationed, but in a fragmented and largely invisible way compared with the NHS.
Recent evidence highlights the scale of the problem. ADASS reports more than 400,000 people waiting for an assessment, care and support, a direct payment or a review. Unlike the NHS, there is no comprehensive national system that shows where people are in the care pathway or how long they have been waiting.
The Casey Commission provides an opportunity to move beyond incremental reform towards a coherent settlement based on transparency, financial protection, workforce stability, fair funding, effective hospital discharge and proportionate regulation.
Every year since 1994 the number of service users supported by Social services has reduced whilst the budget spend has gone up . This link has got to be broken, especially as the assessments provided by social services don’t include daily showers and individual bed times
This submission sets out six priority reforms, each accompanied by clear implementation steps and designated responsible bodies.
Read more analysis and recommendations here.
Online NHS Trust
Dame Caroline Clarke has been appointed as the first Chief Executive of the Online NHS Trust.
The Trust was established on 1 June 2026 as the first national, digital-first NHS trust. From the end of 2027, it is intended to provide planned specialist care across England through the NHS App, with up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments expected during its first three years.
Care will begin with a primary care consultation. Where appropriate, a GP or other practitioner may offer the Online NHS Trust as a referral option. Patients who choose it will be able to receive online consultations and specialist reviews, while any necessary tests, scans, treatments or procedures will be arranged through existing NHS services closer to home.
The initial conditions will include glaucoma and cataracts, inflammatory bowel disease, iron-deficiency anaemia, prostate conditions, and menopause and menstrual problems.
The service is optional. The Trust states that patients who prefer in-person appointments will continue to use existing services as usual and that digital care will not be the only option.
Dame Caroline is currently NHS England’s Regional Director for London and was previously Group Chief Executive of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
From a PPG perspective, the appointment marks a further step from planning towards implementation. It will be important to see how patient choice, assisted-digital and non-digital support, equality of access, coordination with GPs and local services, and meaningful patient and public involvement are delivered in practice.
This is shared for information.
Digital Health article – 19 August 2026
Online NHS Trust: how the service will work
Is the future of Healthcare online?
HOSPICES.
Only in the last few weeks has a report by the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee on the “Financial Sustainability of Adult Hospices in England”, published in March 2026, received wide publicity on TV and Radio and in the newspapers.
Approximately 135 independent hospices and two national organisations. Marie Curie and Sue Ryder, provide palliative and end-of-life care to adults in England, some 270,000 people in 2024-2025. They supply much appreciated high-quality care, relieve pressure on hospital beds and save the NHS money that can be spent caring for other patients.
Independent Clinical Commissioning Boards (ICB’s) have a statutory duty to commission palliative and end of life care and in 2023-24 spent approximately £420 million doing so. However, that left a gap of about £1.2 billion, which the hospices had to find from other sources, including charity shops, donations and employing unpaid volunteers.
The Report found that the funding gap had two causes (1) Rising costs: inflation, high energy prices and rising staff wages (2) National changes and policies: higher employer national insurance contributions and increases in the National Minimum Wage.
It recommended re-structuring how ICBs commission hospice services and a change in the balance of financing and supervising of hospices between ICBs and the Department of Health and Social Care. In the meantime, there is a risk that independent hospices will make staff redundant and reduce their capacity, a disaster for many gravely ill people. JW 9/26
Adult Social Care
ADULT SOCIAL CARE. THE FUTURE?
Mr Burnham, the new Prime Minister, has announced that he wants to reform and transform adult social care, with the cooperation and support of mainstream political parties. It is said that, on Sunday 26 July, he announced that he wanted to hold a meeting during the next day. Mrs Badenoch said that she was not available, Mr Davey that he was in France, and Mr Polanski that he had not been invited. Nor, apparently, had Mr Farage who soon accused Mr Burnham of a stitch-up and of contemplating a “death tax.”
Read a short Adult Social Care summary from our correspondent here
The Herts PPG Page
The St Albans & Harpenden PPG Newsletter
September 2026
The Knebworth & Marymead Medical Practice Patient Participation Group Newsletter Aug 2026
Ashwell and Bassingbourn Patients Group Newsletter September 2026
Ashwell Surgery visits Ashwell Primary School
‘Here in Ashwell our PPG is made up of a committee of patients appointed to represent the various villages covered by our rural practice. We decided to ask Ashwell Primary School to nominate someone to represent parents and younger children on our committee. Then we offered to meet the school council to answer their questions about our surgery. Katie Prince, our Practice Manager, and PPG Chair, Peter Chapman, led the exchange of views recorded in the slide show here. We have invited next year’s School Council to another meeting at the surgery. By these actions we hope to make our practice less forbidding and more welcoming to our younger patients.’
What do pupils in Ashwell Hertfordshire know about older people?
North Herts Council, Ashwell school, Ashwell Surgery and PPG are all working together to improve the health and well-being of all their patients.
Read more and then watch a revealing interview with the pupils
Lived Experience
One patient’s Cardiology treatment in Herts Mar-May 2026
‘The greatest failing was in his inability to get hold of anyone at the cardiac centre in Watford for almost 2 weeks. He was very impressed by the responses from the surgery via his e-consult requests. His care once he was in Watford hospital was also very good except for the lack of written clear discharge information. contd……click here
Lived Experience
Lived Experience
A personal cardiology history
Lived Experience
In the spring of 2006, at the age of 45, I began to have symptoms of severe unstable angina. However, I did not know what it was and I thought I had just pulled some muscles in my chest, or hurt my sternum. By August, I found I had to keep stopping when walking short distances due to the pain, which although not severe, was enough to make me rest. I went to my GP and he referred me to a cardiologist.
Read more and comment on LC’s blog page
A PEP member’s recent patient experience.
The NHS has its skates on.
Once again, your intrepid health correspondent is sitting quietly at his desk, and is sharing some of his recent experience with PEP members. Read on…
A recent Thursday……
2.30 pm, I contact my GP surgery by e-consult.
3.30 surgery phones saying they are arranging an appointment.
4.30 surgery phones saying I have an appointment at 5.20.
Friday 8.00 am,
I have blood tests and X-Ray at St. Albans City Hospital.
Saturday.
Sunday.
Tuesday.
GP phones me to discuss results.
Wednesday.
I have a CTC scan at St. Albans City Hospital.
Thursday.
GP phones me to discuss results.
Friday.
Surgery e-mails saying they are arranging an admission to Watford General Hospital on Monday or Tuesday.
Saturday.
Sunday.
Monday. 3.00 pm I am phoned by Watford General Hospital and told to report to the Emergency Department asap for admission.
****
I thought that was a pretty good patient experience.
Best wishes from your intrepid health correspondence.
These articles describe individual patient experiences and are provided for information only. They are not medical advice, and individual experiences will differ.
Please seek appropriate professional healthcare advice about your own health, treatment or medication. The views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily represent those of the Patient Engagement Platform (PEP).
Lived Experience
Lived Experience
I would like to draw to your attention the risk to patients when the NHS fails to act as one entity and behaves as discreet autonomous components.
On May 22nd 2026 I was taken ill whilst on holiday in Wales, I was taken to the A&E Carmarthen Wales. The doctors there could not access my medical history and were it not for the fact that I have the NHS App, those doctors would have been treating me blind of my rather complex history. Various scans were carried out and I was discharged from A&E with a course of antibiotics. I was told to contact my GP if things did not improve. On the following Monday, I was no better and went to my GP. The GP could not access my medical record at the Carmarthen Hospital. So the GP referred me to Lister A&E. At Lister A&E I went through their triage. But they also could not access the scans done at Carmarthen A&E. Apparently NHS Wales and NHS England cannot share information.
No access to records: a patient danger
A PEP member’s lived experience
The PAL’s System in our hospitals.
If during a treatment or a visit to the hospital a patient may have a need to make a complaint, the hospital will refer them to their PAL’s system.
I have no experience with the PAL’s process at Watford or other hospitals in the area. I only report on Lister in Stevenage.
The PAL’s System in Lister is not fit for purpose because it is not appropriately staffed. A registered complaint is placed in a waiting list of six weeks before investigation is begun!
That is 42 days, and after this wait a letter is sent to enquire if the complaint matter still needs to be followed up. Over 500 complaints are received every month and the department has two and a half full-time staff to review these cases.
After six weeks the problem may well have gone away. Or maybe reported multiple more times, this to the detriment of patients! This needs to be investigated, as the hospital managers cannot be taking this issue seriously.
Observation by RGW
There is good news from the Lister PALS department, previously I have reported that the waiting list for a response to a complaint has been a standard 42 days (6 weeks) although this was shortened recently to 5 weeks it was still not acceptable.
In the last week I have been informed that the delay is now 7 working days which is a creditable improvement so congratulations to the department for their effort in making this beneficial change.
RGW
NHS Links for Patients
The East of England Ambulance Service
has published it’s corporate strategy read it here.
How does the NHS in Hertfordshire work????
Famous for its acronyms and impenetrable to the average patient, this short guide to the NHS is put together for patients by patients.
NHS Complaints
To complain about NHS services, first attempt to resolve issues directly with the local service provider or through their PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) team. If dissatisfied, escalate to the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) or, finally, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman within 12 months.
Patient Choice
Did you know that in many cases you have the legal right to choose where you have your NHS treatment? The NHS is offering more and more options to enable you to make choices that best suit your circumstances, giving you greater control of your care, and hopefully better results.
What to ask your GP
Whether it is your initial GP appointment, a consultation with a specialist at an outpatient appointment or a mental health assessment there are a few things you can prepare in advance that will help you to get the most out of time with the health professional.
Patient Safety Policy
Read about the NHS patient safety policy update July 2026
Health Services Safety Investigations Body
The HSSIB investigate patient safety concerns across England to improve NHS care at a national level.
The NHS Constitution
The principles of the NHS
The Patient Safety Commissioner
While the Patient Safety Commissioner is independent of government and the healthcare system the Commissioner’s funding is provided by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and, from 2026, via the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The PSC remains accountable to Parliament. The Office of the Patient Safety Commissioner is resourced by civil servants and maintains a working relationship with the MHRA. This helps us to influence government, offer constructive advice on policymaking, and amplify the patient voice into the health system. While we work constructively with the MHRA, we remain outside of it and are guided by the Patient Safety Commissioner’s strategic priorities.
What do you think about your GP surgery????
Are you interested to know what your fellow patients think?
The GP Patient Survey covers GP practice services and asks about your last contact, your last appointment and overall experience. The survey questionnaire also includes questions about when your GP practice is closed, your health, pharmacy and NHS dentistry services.
Achieving excellence in patient experience
This document defines what excellent experience looks and feels like across NHS-funded care. This means being clear about the behaviours, systems and culture that help people feel listened to, respected, involved and supported throughout their care.
The NHS Quality Strategy read about it here…….
My Planned Care
My Planned Care gives you advice and support while you wait and helps you to prepare for your hospital consultation, treatment, or surgery. This includes giving you information about waiting times at your hospital and other supporting and local services while you wait.
This site is updated weekly and can be viewed by anyone, which means you, your family or carer as well as your NHS team can all see the latest information.
Your hospital team will be in touch with you as soon as they can. If you are looking for an update, please check this website before contacting your hospital or GP.
Your NHS Number
How to get one and when to use it.
Neighbourhood Health Centres
Learn more about new facilities to support local patient healthcare.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The independent regulator of health and social care in England link here
Quality & Improvement
The patient voice groups in Hertfordshire and west Essex have previously participated in and in some cases led Quality Improvement projects across the region. We are embarking on new Continuous Improvement projects all the time.
For reference the NHS Quality Strategy
Did Not Attends in Primary Care
Click here to read more about our project to reduce levels of Did Not Attends in Primary Care.
When a patient has made an appointment at their GP surgery and does not attend, and also does not tell the Surgery they cannot attend, then that becomes a Did Not Attend (DNA) statistic. At a time when getting to see your Primary Care practitioner is still a priority for so many patients a 4% level of DNAs or 1 in 25 failed appointments is a real waste of resources.
Polypharmacy, Structured Medicine Reviews, Falls & Frailty ( and A&E admissions)
Coming soon
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
The Patient Engagement Platform was asked to help the NHS understand why patients in Hertfordshire were not
participating in the nationwide AAA test to the same extent as those in other NHS regions.
Specifically we hoped to understand the following statistics for Herts patients attending for an AAA scan in 2024-25.
•In Herts 82.3% percentage of men tested (Highest South Devon @89.7%)
•In Herts 73.8% of men in the lower deciles 1-3 were tested ( below acceptable threshold). (NHSE 82.2%, highest South Devon at 85.5%)
•In Herts 100% of men with an abnormal scan had their screens reviewed within 21 days.
•In Herts 44.8% of men with a notable aneurysm had a nurse assessment within 12 weeks of the conclusive scan ( the only service to not meet the acceptable threshold). (NHSE 79.9% , best Leicester 100%)
Summary
Over 700 members of the ‘patients and community ’, together with Patient Participation Group members and members of the Harlow Ethnic Minority Umbrella (HEMU) were surveyed.
Local study
Harlow (Essex) can be viewed as ethnically diverse with some areas of economic deprivation. Harlow feedback can be seen as a relevant indicator for the low attendance (73.8%) in similarly deprived areas of Hertfordshire.
56 patient responses were received together with extensive comments and observations from HEMU.
Most responses were from patients that had experience of an AAA scan, either personally or a partner/family member.
For more details and survey outcomes click here
The Hospital Patient Panel Support Page
The latest CQC report on inpatient Hospital care .
The report indicates that about 1 in 4 patients that needed it were not given adequate discharge guidance.
Read the summary on hospital care in England here
Click here to read the survey report for your local hospital
A Virtual Hospital ?
What is “Virtual Hospital” - also known as Virtual Wards or Hospital at Home?
Did you know the NHS has enabled some patients to continue their care in their own home rather than in hospital?
More information and details here.
Watford General Patient’s Panel Update Oct 2026
Organisation
Matthew Coats, CEO has returned from his secondment at NHS England.
There are now two Heads of nursing for patient experience and customer care who will start their new role on 2 November (previously one lead nurse patient experience and public participation)
Trust held its AGM in September
The Daisy Award and Winning Chefs
Trust issued its first DAISY award (also shared on social media), the DAISY Award gives patients, families and carers the opportunity to recognise and thank nurses and midwives who go above and beyond to provide compassionate, skilled and exceptional care.
Watford General chefs crowned NHS Chef of the Year 2026, Eight finalist teams took part, demonstrating how nutritious, high-quality food can be delivered within hospital budgets, service times and operational constraints (also shared on social media)
Friends & Family Test
3693 FFT surveys were completed in the month of September with an overall satisfaction score of 93.58%
EEMAC, Urgent Treatment Centre Watford and Ambulatory Care Unit now have SMS text message service to promote FFT about patients attended. This has improved their monthly figures for department.
148 staff recognitions were shared on Shine through FFT feedback
74 compliments were received and shared with divisions (14 clinical support, 5 corporate services, 14 emergency medicine, 1 environment, 22 medicine, 12 surgery, anaesthetics and cancer and 6 women's and children)
Volunteers and Carers
230 carer referrals were received in September
The Patricia Coulson Sute had 239 visits in September
The Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team dedicated 637 hours visiting and supporting 675 patients across the wards in WGH and St Albans
Chaplain volunteers dedicated 183 hours in September
A new staff support chaplain has been appointed and joined the Trust on 5 November
In September 2026, volunteers provided 1,715 hours of support to patients and staff
Patient panel members volunteered 33 hours (this includes other volunteer roles)
Supported the launch of Gold Key Media (digital access for patients to newspapers, magazines, games)
Wheelchair service
Wheelshare (use of wheelchair for free for 3 hours, chargeable after) is in 3 locations at WGH, PMOK main entrance, A&E entrance and level 2 of MSCP (see below for data)
WEST HERTFORDSHIRE TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
Patients Panel
The Panel currently comprises 18 members who have been recruited through the Volunteering function of the Trust. They bring with them, speciality interests such as Safety, Maternity Issues, Paediatrics, Food and Nutrition etc. This enables the Panel to ultilise a broad spectrum of patients interests and issues when carrying out its functions.
The Panel meet on a monthly basis and the meeting content includes guest speakers who present to the Panel, their area of specialisation within the Trust. Recent speakers have included Clinic Research, Medical Examiners and Pharmacy. In addition, members of the Trust are invited to attend Panel meetings to discuss their relative areas of speciality.
Recently the Panel members have been involved with the delivery of a media channel to patients which provides online newspapers, magazines and television channels. This is a free service to patients and is provided by a hospitality organisation on behalf of the Trust.
The Panel are regularly called upon to assist in the instigation of new projects and in particular, have spent time on maximising the admission procedures to the Blood Clinic at the Watford Site. This has met with substantial patient approval.
Future topics with invited speakers to include Safeguarding Team Update and Emergency Department.
In addition to Panel Duties, most members are primary volunteers spending time in patient engagement on wards, A and E, Outpatients and other key areas. A regular duty for a number of Panel members is that of PLACE AUDIT ( Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment )and some of the London Teaching Trusts also use our members for that purpose. The audit process involves patient assessors visiting sites like hospitals and hospices to observe and score specific domains, including cleanliness, food and hydration, privacy and dignity, condition and maintenance, and support for dementia and disability.
Panel Members regularly involve themselves in the completion of Family and Friends Tests with patients and carers. The Trust places reliance on this method of gauging patients’s rating of services received whilst in addition Panel Members find this activity as a useful method of direct Patient Engagement.
The latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) Report on the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAHT)
Patient Panel Comment
‘This is obviously disappointing news, particularly for our staff. Since the inspection, staff have worked tirelessly to make improvements while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care for patients every day. And the Panel is very appreciative of their dedication, professionalism and resilience. This outcome does not reflect the commitment and care they show to our patients, nor the significant progress that has already been made.
There were, however, two very positive mentions of our Patient Panel in the report, The support, constructive challenge and ongoing commitment to the hospital by the Panel are clearly valued, and it is pleasing to see this recognised by the inspectors.
While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, it is certainly not the end of our improvement journey. There is still work to do, and we know our staff will continue to approach it with the same determination and commitment they have shown throughout.’
Hospital responds to Care Quality Commission (CQC) report and highlights sustained progress since inspection - The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
‘The Trust continues to take action in response to the CQC findings and to embed improvements across its services. Key areas of focus include reducing long waits, improving patient flow, strengthening governance and assurance, and ensuring patients are cared for in environments that protect their privacy and dignity.’
Read more here and find a link to the full report.
News from the Patient Panel at the Princess Alexander Hospital
The Patient Panel comprises a group of volunteers who support staff and patients here across the Trust. The members have a wide range of backgrounds which brings a broad spectrum of both personal and professional expertise to the group.
They act as a critical friend and represent the patient voice at senior management meetings. (JT April2026)
Note at the time of writing and despite numerous enquiries there is not a Patient Panel at the the Lister Hospital. The PEP feel this is a missed opportunity.
The Carers pages
A subsidised monitoring and response service
Carers Champion at your GP surgery
Many GP surgeries have a Carers Champion
The New NHS Plan for Unpaid carers
The new action plan is based on three strands, RECOGNITION, REFERRAL, and REACH.
The new plan for unpaid carers arrives wrapped in warm language and digital optimism, beneath the branding, it is painfully clear how little has actually changed.
Read our analysis here.
Services for Unpaid Carers
Primary Care (GP and Community Services)
Primary care teams can support carers through:
· GP, practice nurse and healthcare assistant support for carers’ own health
· Social prescribing and health and wellbeing coaching
· Referral or signposting to carers assessments and voluntary sector services
· Adjustments to appointment systems to better suit carers
Acute Care (Hospital and Specialist Services)
Hospital and specialist NHS services aim to:
· Involve carers in care planning and discharge planning (with patient consent)
· Recognise carers’ needs during hospital admissions
· Signpost carers to local support when a person is diagnosed with a long‑term condition or admitted to hospital
Do you have questions about Continuing Health Care?
Local Support
· Carers in Hertfordshire – Free advice, information, training, carers groups, mentoring and carers passport scheme for unpaid carers living, working or caring in Hertfordshire. Visit Carers in Hertfordshire
· Hertfordshire County Council – Adult Social Care – Carers assessments, emergency planning, respite support and information on benefits and care options. Hertfordshire carers support
More local support services here
Social Service
· Hertfordshire Adult Social Services – Support for carers including assessments, planning for the future and help arranging care and short breaks. Adult social care in Hertfordshire
Condition‑Specific Support
· MS Society – Information, helplines, local groups and support for people affected by multiple sclerosis and their carers. MS Society support
· Parkinson’s UK – Advice, helplines, local groups and resources for carers of people with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s UK support for carers
· Age UK – Practical and emotional support, carers groups and benefits advice for those caring for older people. Age UK carers support
· Macmillan Cancer Support – Money Advice – Financial guidance, benefits advice and support for carers of people affected by cancer. Macmillan financial support for carers
Registering with your GP as a carer
The Patricia Coulson Suite
A Caring for carers support hub at Watford General Hospital
Follow this link for more carer info.
The Carers pages contd.
NHS ReSPECT Form (Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment)
The ReSPECT process creates a personalised emergency care plan agreed between you and a healthcare professional. It is widely used across Hertfordshire, including by East & North Herts NHS Trust, GPs, community teams, and the ambulance service.
Purpose
To record your wishes, priorities, and clinical recommendations for emergency situations when you may not be able to express them.
How to Get One Completed
· Step 1 - Arrange a conversation with a clinician
Contact your GP, hospital consultant, or a senior nurse. ReSPECT forms must be completed with a registered healthcare professional.
· Step 2 - Prepare for the discussion
Consider your priorities (e.g., comfort vs. life-prolonging treatment), preferred place of care, and any treatments you would or would not want.
· Step 3 - Clinical discussion and documentation
The clinician records your preferences and their clinical recommendations on the ReSPECT form.
· Step 4 - Sign-off and distribution
You receive the original form. Copies are shared with your GP, community teams, and-if relevant-hospital records and the East of England Ambulance Service.
Key Hertfordshire Contacts
· GP Practices - All Hertfordshire practices support ReSPECT discussions.
· East & North Herts NHS Trust (Lister, New QEII, Hertford County Hospital) - ReSPECT used across inpatient and outpatient services.
All information from either the Office of the Public Guardian, NHS England or from member lived experience.
How ReSPECT and LPA Work Together
· A ReSPECT form guides emergency clinicians on your treatment preferences.
· A Health & Welfare LPA gives your attorney legal authority to make decisions if you cannot.
· Clinicians will consider both documents together when making decisions.
PEP helpful comment
Doing your own LPAs is relatively straightforward and there is no need to use a solicitor or other 3rd party unless you are really stuck, or you want to draft complex ones. It’s worth pointing out that the ‘paper’ versions can be completed online before printing. LPAs can be completed and signed but not registered immediately. They can then be registered at a later date by the attorneys if the doner has lost capacity.
Here is a link to the government webpage here.
Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) - England & Wales
LPAs are legal documents registered with the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). They allow you to appoint trusted people to make decisions if you lose capacity.
Types of LPA
Health & Welfare - Medical treatment, care decisions, life-sustaining treatment.
Property & Financial Affairs - Money, bills, property, banking.
How to Complete an LPA
Step 1 - Decide your attorneys
Choose one or more trusted individuals. They must be over 18 and mentally capable.
Step 2 - Complete the forms
Forms can be completed online or on paper via GOV.UK. Hertfordshire residents can also seek help from Citizens Advice or local solicitors.
Step 3 - Sign with a certificate provider
A certificate provider confirms you understand the LPA and are not under pressure. This can be a professional or someone who has known you for at least two years.
Step 4 - Get all signatures in the correct order
Donor → Certificate Provider → Attorneys.
Step 5 - Submit to the OPG for registration
Send forms and payment to:
Office of the Public Guardian, PO Box 16185, Birmingham, B2 2WH.
Fees (as of 2026)
£82 per LPA (Health & Welfare and Property & Finance are charged separately)
Fee reductions available for low income; exemptions for certain benefits.
Local Support in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire Citizens Advice - Free guidance on completing LPAs.
Age UK Hertfordshire - Support for older residents.
Local solicitors - Can prepare and register LPAs for a fee
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