Imagine seeing real changes in health and social care services that have made a huge impact on people’s lives because of you.

This will become even easier in North East Lincolnshire thanks to new roles that have been created in the community membership group, Accord, which gives local people a chance to have their say on the future of health and social care services.

Accord is hosting an event on Thursday 26th June between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at The Humber Royal Hotel, Grimsby for patients, carers, members of the public and volunteers to see how they can influence care in their community.

At the According To You event people can learn more about the new steering group and ambassador scheme, speak to current members about their experiences and find out what it means to join the network with over 2,500 members.

There will be workshops to gather people’s views on the day, a questions and answers session and talks from North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which funds and manages the Accord programme.

“I originally joined Accord a few years ago because my husband was a member and working at the hospital meant I already had an interest in health services,” said Pam Taylor, Accord member.

“Accord’s all about getting engaged with what’s happening locally; these are our services that affect everyone and Accord gives you the opportunity to ask questions about them and influence things.

“Many people may think it’s just lip service, but it’s not. It’s so easy to complain, but if you don’t get involved you can’t help change things for the better.”

“The support that we have from the Accord members is invaluable. For instance, they were fundamental in introducing the new carers’ support service, which offers free support for carers seven days a week, and establishing the diabetes support group, which is looking at ways to help people better understand their condition and manage it more themselves,” said Mark Webb, Chair of North East Lincolnshire CCG.

“But we know that Accord needs to be flexible so it’s easier for people to have their say in a way that suits them best. The Accord steering group and ambassador roles are great for those people who want to be proactive in managing the scheme and recruiting new members. Otherwise you can select to receive information on topics that interest you, respond to questionnaires or sit on focus groups.

“There has never been a better time to get involved in local health services; the membership continues to grow and offer opportunities to learn new skills, meet people and make a real difference to care.”

Accord launched in 2009 to give local people and organisations in North East Lincolnshire a chance to have their say on the future of health and social care services.

Comments, views and suggestions from Accord are fed directly to North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) so patients’ needs are responded to, based on what members are saying.

It was the first group of its kind in Britain that gives local people a voice which is used to change their community for the better.

ENDS

The media are welcome to attend the event to speak to Accord members, find out more about the changes to Accord and speak to members of the CCG.

Please confirm your attendance with Sarah Howells 01522 528540 or email sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk

Visit www.northeastlincolnshireccg.nhs.uk
Follow us: @NELincsCCG

Notes to editors:
1. NHS North East Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group was established in April 2013, following the Government’s health reforms, and is made up of 30 GP practices in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
2. The CCG is responsible for health and social care services for over 165,000 people in Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
3. NHS North East Lincolnshire CCG is the only CCG in the country to have responsibility for both NHS and Adult Social Care.
4. The CCG is made up of people who understand patients’ needs best, including doctors, nurses and health professionals from 30 GP member practices.
5. The CCG actively listens to local people and partners to decide what health services are needed for local people.

Media contact NHS North Yorkshire Commissioning Support Unit: 0300 303 8394

Issued by:
Sarah Howells
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
sarah@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@shootingstarpr
@sarahhowellspr
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