The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) have launched their annual patient and public involvement fund, offering 15 awards of £1,000 to successful groups in the region.

This funding is aimed at health, social care, charities, voluntary and third sector organisations and groups, who want to involve patients and citizens in research and healthcare. EMAHSN welcome applications that encourage patient and citizen involvement in health and care innovation, transformation and improvement. Particularly welcome are applications that demonstrate the involvement of seldom heard and underserved communities.

EMAHSN is one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks (AHSNs) working across England bringing together NHS, research, industry, patients, citizens, the third sector and social care to transform the health and care system. EMAHSN put patients and citizens are at the centre of health and care innovation and transformation. They recognise the barriers in getting patients and citizens involved. This funding will provide invaluable practical help to enable organisations and groups to involve patients and citizens whose invaluable lived experience will inform innovation and transformation across the East Midlands.

Successful groups last year included those focused on the involvement of people affected by mental health and dementia; the Deaf community; Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups; and children and young people.

One successful group was Belvoir Health Group Patient Participation Group (BHGPPG) which work across three GP surgeries in Nottinghamshire, helping patients participate in their health and care. They used the funding they received last year to enable members to attend more public events, making them more visible to patients, carers and citizens from the local area and encouraging more people to get involved.

Sally Bates Chair of the Cotgrave PPG part of BHGPPG said “We exist to allow patients to have a say in the future direction of local health provision. We get great insights and input from our patients, which local health and care professionals and commissioners really value. The fund has enabled us to have more of a presence at public events to try and attract more patient and public involvement. If you already run a group which focuses on health and care delivery and transformation, I’d advise you to think about how you could use this fund to do even more within your community!”

EMAHSN Managing Director Nicole McGlennon said “Involving patients, citizens and carers in the transformation and future of our health and care system is really important as they can provide invaluable lived experience to understand healthcare planning and delivery from another angle. This annual fund has created opportunities for groups to widen their reach and involve more members of the public in health and care in their areas, which is extremely rewarding to see.”

Applications for the awards will be considered by a panel including representatives from the East Midlands Patient Public Involvement Senate, an independent group of patients and carers with varied health and service user experience. The Senate support health and social care organisations to embed patient and citizen involvement across the region.

Applications to the scheme are now open. The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 20 September 2020. If groups would like support with their application or further information, they can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For more information, for terms and conditions and to apply visit: www.healthinnovation-em.org.uk/ppifund 

Previous winners are unable to apply for the scheme.

Notes to editors

The East Midlands Academic Health Science Network (EMAHSN) is one of 15 Academic Health Science Networks in England. EMAHSN brings together the NHS, research, industry, patients, the third sector and social care to transform the health of the region’s 4.6m residents and stimulate wealth. EMAHSN’s areas of focus relate to local and national NHS priorities. Currently EMAHSN deliver programmes of work relating to medicines optimisation, patient safety, medical technology, mental health and stroke.

For more information about the EMAHSN visit www.healthinnovation-em.org.uk 

Media enquiries:

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