We are listening and responding to patients. And we want to hear more!

That’s the call as the NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) announces the date for its second patient revolution conference – which will focus on how we can work better with our patients and public in light of the recent Francis Report into failings of NHS care in Mid Staffordshire.

The event will take place at the apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds on 1 May from 9.30 – 1.00 p.m.

The conference follows the success of last year’s event which was attended by over 200 local people and generated an enormous amount of feedback, questions and support for the CCG.  These were responded to in a report by the CCG before Christmas.  The CCG is set to take over responsibility for commissioning health services in west Suffolk from 1 April 2013 following a year in shadow form.

Jo Finn, lay member for patient and public involvement, said: “Last year’s conference highlighted just how important the subject of health services is to local people. It generated over 60 pages of notes and suggestions and six themes, which we are committed to pursue.

“The CCG has made it a priority to become the best we can be to involve people in decisions about their health services. That means we have to make sure we make every effort to listen to the public and to respond.

“We are hoping even more people will participate in our conference on 1 May. This year’s conference will concentrate on patient safety and the importance of listening to patients and carers. This is highly relevant considering the recent national concern over failings of standards in Mid Staffordshire as highlighted in the Francis Report."

The conference is open to every one of all ages. For more information and to book email getinvolved@westsuffolkccg.nhs.uk or call 01284 774811.