Horsham man to represent patient and public voices as newly appointed CCG member

HS Horsham and Mid Sussex Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has welcomed Simon Chandler to its Governing Body, leading on Patient and Public Engagement. Mr Chandler’s role also includes acting as Chair for the Commissioning Patient Reference Group (CPRG).

Mr Chandler, from Horsham, said: “I am delighted to take up this important role on the Governing body of the CCG at the heart of the local NHS, giving a voice to the patient and public.

“The NHS is going through a challenging time of ever increasing demands, with a growing elderly population and advances in treatment and services, whilst having an effectively static budget.

“To succeed in the future will mean a focus on improving patient outcomes as well as an increased focus on self-help; prevention or early intervention is far better for the patient.

“As the NHS Constitution states – the NHS belongs to the people. I look forward to the challenge of ensuring all voices are heard by the CCG and the NHS service providers in the area. By having effective and early engagement with the users we can improve the design of new services and redesign of existing services with patient at the centre.

“To ensure all voices are heard the CPRG engages with members of local GP practices as well as representatives of voluntary groups, charities and organisations such as Healthwatch.”

The CCG has already been working with people in Horsham and Mid Sussex on the redesign of NHS joint and muscle services (musculoskeletal) and end of life care for people living with dementia. Going forward, patient voices and personal experiences of NHS care will be central to developing and reshaping local services, led by local GPs and healthcare professionals.

Dr Minesh Patel, local GP and NHS Horsham and Mid Sussex CCG lead clinician, said: “Mr Chandler has taken a key role in our structure to ensure the views of patients and the public are being listened to and appropriately considered in everything we do.

“We are excited about the leadership and engagement experience and knowledge he brings to the CCG in this remit. Patient voices are at the very heart of the new NHS and in the challenging journey for the health service that lies ahead.”

Report and pictures submitted by Horsham and Mid Sussex CCG