Successful launch of new body to speak for Brent patients
“My dream is of a fully patient-centred Health Service.” These were the words of Dr Michelle Drage, CEO of 6,000 GPs in the London-wide Local Medical Committees, as she gave the keynote address to the inaugural meeting of Brent Patient Voice at the Learie Constantine Centre last week. She argued that to realise their full potential as the front line of the NHS, GPs need more time with each patient and less time spent on the computer and box ticking. Dr Drage, who is a long time Brent resident, went on to say that GPs provide an expert medical generalist service that treats the whole person, regardless of age, gender or the nature of the illness.
“To shift care and education out of hospitals to good effect needs the release of resources to underpin primary care. For example moving 10% of money that now goes to hospitals could mean an extra 20% of care delivered in the community,” she suggested. After lively questioning and discussions Dr Drage was thanked for a very sympathetic and thought-provoking address.
Around 80 patients attended the meeting, representing the spectrum of Brent’s diverse community. Feedback in the meeting and from feedback forms was very positive.
The website is well organised and nice arranged. It is very easy to scroll through the pages and the information is clear.
I am highly impressed! Congratulations BPV!