Consulting the public about the NHS

Patients and members of the public in England have just been consulted by the government on how they would spend the extra funding promised to the NHS over the next five years. The consultation is meant to inform the government, which in July is publishing its plan for the NHS, defining how the increased funding will be spent (Department of Health, press release, 23 March 2000). Twelve million leaflets with prepaid response forms have been distributed through supermarkets, pharmacies, opticians, hospitals, and general practices, asking, “What are the top three things you think would make the NHS better for you and your family?” “Census day” was 31 May, when service providers were asked to actively encourage their users to fill in the leaflet. The public consultation process also includes a website, two public forums, patient representation on the six action teams for modernisation, and meetings between patients' organisations …