By Will Kennedy, Patient and Public Partnership representative, National Screening Service
When it comes to our health, being part of the decision-making process in healthcare is a way to directly impact and improve our health services for everyone.
There is a way you can take part in this decision-making process.
Joining the Patient and Public Partnership (PPP) at the HSE National Screening Service (NSS) is one of the best ways of bringing about improvements and change in screening programmes. People from all backgrounds and walks of life join the PPP. You can decide for yourself the amount of time and commitment you feel is right for you.
I joined the PPP network four years ago when I got an email from LGBT Ireland about an opportunity to volunteer with the National Screening Service. I got in touch to ask for more information and to find out what would be expected of me. One of the main reasons I joined was because the NSS was developing an equity framework, and as a queer man I felt I could represent people like me. I would have an opportunity to voice the concerns of my community and help to make the service more equitable and equal.
I worked with the NSS equity advisory group and we provided support and advice for developing the framework. I felt my involvement helped the NSS to better understand the concerns, and the barriers, that people like me faced when engaging with screening services. Our voices were listened to in every step of the planning process. I feel that my involvement and others on the committee helped to bring about change in the service.
I’m also part of the PPP oversight committee and I’ve worked on the PPP recruitment campaigns. I’ve taken part in videos for this campaign and attended meetings where I was able to input into the process.
No matter how little you can contribute, I can tell you from personal experience, your contribution will make a difference. I feel I have been seen and heard. My contribution has been acted upon. The NSS use it to make improvements.
You will have opportunities to influence real change. You do not need any specific experience. Training is provided and the training programmes are informative and educational, as well as fun to take part in.
Meetings take place online and in-person. I would recommend attending the in-person meetings if you can. They are a great opportunity to meet other people and you get a real sense of involvement and connection.
If you want to have your voice heard, I recommend joining the PPP. If you want to bring about change, you need to be part of the process. This empowers us to speak out, to become visible. Become a voice for change - change for yourself and for others.