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Geoff Smith OBE, EMAHSN Patient and Public Involvement Senate Member
Geoff has been a prominent member of the EMAHSN Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Senate for five years. He is retiring as a Senate member on his eighty-ninth birthday after making an incredible contribution to the Senate and the wider health and care system across the East Midlands. Here he gives an account of his experience in PPI across the region and an overview of the importance of PPI and the EMAHSN PPI Senate.
The PPI Senate brings together a group of informed, experienced and committed people whose expertise can make a difference by advocating PPI and co-production not only to the EMAHSN but also to the public and NHS organisations. The Senate’s authority comes from the shared knowledge and experience of its members, and the support of the EMAHSN team.
At present the pressures of rapid change in the NHS can mean that PPI and co-production is side-lined. The Senate challenges this and opens up opportunities for patients and the public to express their voice. The Senate’s ability to challenge NHS England, NHS Improvement, Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), Primary Care Networks (PCNs), NHS Trusts, Local Authorities, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) will make for a better service and improved outcomes for people in the East Midlands.
I had experience of treatment, feedback and response in health and care that led to joining the Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPIF) for the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL), working with the other PPIFs in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) and nationally and to becoming a Patient Partner in UHL. I also became a member of the Local Involvement Network for LLR and working nationally and locally in the establishment of Healthwatch (an independent consumer champion for health and social care).
EMAHSN’s PPI Senate offered an opportunity to work at regional level to improve patient and public involvement in health and social care and I was glad to become one of the founding members.
I can’t think of a successful business that does not involve its clients, customers and users. For the NHS and social care, PPI is how it engages and involves patients and the public in the commissioning, planning, developing and delivering the services that they use.
‘Nothing about me without me’ means adopting the principle of co-production, a partnership with patients, and also enabling them to care for themselves. The changing landscape of the NHS presents a unique opportunity to bring patients and the public into the establishment of the changes and developments, and so make them durable and fit for purpose.
One of my highlights has been learning from others about what is happening in other parts of the East Midlands, what works well, and new opportunities and approaches in PPI. I enjoy using my experience, and range of resources to work with and encourage members of the Senate so that together we can ‘make a difference’.
During my time in the Senate, I’ve taken a lead on Senate information leaflets on PPI, on co-production, what good PPI should look like and Primary Care Networks. I’m proud to have helped the Senate maintain an informed view on the changing landscape of the NHS and social care.
I’ve also had the opportunity to spread the message about PPI. Firstly by facilitating county-wide workshops on the barriers to effective involvement and offering solutions to develop the PPI workforce. Secondly by informing, inspiring and mobilising communities and new patients and carers thorough the delivery of county-wide patient carer networking events – using my experience to provide advice and guidance on the importance of effective engagement.
If I could offer advice to anyone who is interested in the PPI Senate or other PPI work, it would be to be proactive. Think about how you can use your experiences of health and care to make a difference. It’s important for patients, carers and the public to have a voice and if we work with the health and care system on co-production we can have an input into how the system works best for everyone.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Senate becoming a more proactive voice for PPI and Co-production in the East Midlands, and beyond.
Shahnaz Aziz, EMAHSN Patient and Public Leadership Lead said “During his tenure, Geoff really grasped the role of the PPI Senate and its added value as a strategic influencer of best practice patient public involvement leadership and co-production. He has been instrumental in driving some key projects, documents and workshops. In addition to the PPI Senate Geoff has undertaken lots of PPI related work over the years for the NHS nationally, regionally and locally in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I would like to thank Geoff for his amazing contribution both to the PPI Senate and wider public service.”
If you’re interested in learning more about the Senate or joining as a member, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.