Did you know that the NHS includes patient advocates (called PPVs) as part of a number of their speciality service groups who work alongside clinicians, public health experts and carers to help build and improve the services offered under a range of specialisms?

Did you know that they currently have open vacancies for patients to join this initiative and join these groups and be able to contribute advice, support and propose improvements to the quality of the service offered.

Is this something you are interested in? If so, read on!

So what is a PPV?

PPV stands for Patient and Public Voice and they play a crucial role in providing information into specialised services.  They are represented across the board on NHS advisory groups and governance structures to ensure that the views of patients, carers and the public are at the heart of all the NHS does.

For those of us with MRKH or other complex gynaecological conditions then there is an opportunity to apply to be a PPV and be involved with NHS England in discussing and working towards improving care.

How do I apply?

There are a number of specialised services that are currently recruiting to a range of vacancies for PPV partners, all of which can be found here. For MRKH the application comes under the Clinical Reference Group (CRG) Vacancies section and under this heading you will find the application form and application information.

CRGs bring together groups of clinicians, commissioners, public health experts, patients and carers. They use their specific knowledge and expertise to advise NHS England on the best ways that specialised services should be provided, advice on the development of service specifications, commissioning policies, identifying innovation and improving quality.

But I don’t see MRKH mentioned?

You are right MRKH is not specifically mentioned on this high level page but it is included, along with other disorders of sexual and reproductive development, under PPV Partner: Women and Children – Specialised Women’s services which is in the list of services under the Clinical Reference Group Vacancies section   By clicking on the PPV link above you can read more about this service and it’s intentions.  You will see that MRKH is specifically mentioned in the complex gynaecology link on that page!

PPV partners are able to claim an involvement fee for this role.  Deadline 24th January 2021

You can learn more about what being a PPV means by watching this short video.

NHS England and NHS Improvement are committed to promoting equality and inclusion to ensure that their PPV partners reflect and represent our diverse population, and particularly encourage people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds to apply.