Call to join NHS Virtual Citizens Panel to help shape local healthcare services

NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) is looking for members of the public to join its virtual citizen panel in a bid to ensure its services are designed to meet the needs of the community.

Alongside its regular programme of face-to-face engagement, the panel gives people the chance to participate in research groups and events, questionnaires, and share their views online, as well as staying informed about the work the ICB is doing in the region with regular updates on local health and care.

Neil Greaves, director of communications and engagement for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “Becoming a part of our virtual citizen panel gives you a chance to discuss your experiences of healthcare in Lancashire and South Cumbria and offer valuable insight which we can use in improving and commissioning services.

“Our virtual citizen panel is just one of the many ways we engage with the public. However, we recognise that it can never fully represent our diverse population, and it excludes those who are not online or prefer to share their opinion in person.

"Therefore, we also engage with members of the public face-to-face in their local communities, in local groups and public events, in addition to working in partnership with organisations like Healthwatch and voluntary organisations who reach local people through their work. We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to share their views.

“Involving local people and their views really matters to us and will help us make health and care services in Lancashire and South Cumbria the best that they can be.”

The ICB’s virtual citizen panel is a database of residents who live in Lancashire and South Cumbria and have volunteered to take part in regular research. Those who sign up can choose which issues they want to be contacted about, and there is no commitment to take part – just contribute to the issues that feel most relevant to you.

The information received will help to ensure that services are designed and delivered in line with what our residents consider matters most to them.

Join the virtual citizen panel by visiting lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/citizenpanel