I didn't say all of this in this way but I think you will get the gist! Scottish Dementia Clinical Research Network – Glasgow, 24th March 2014 The importance of public involvement in health research Welcome and introduction Explain the roles I have as Chair, INVOLVE and National Director - role to ensure patient and … Continue reading Speech: Public involvement in dementia research after the G8

One of my favourite news stories from a while back is about the Chinese deciding to train and employ 10,000 science communicators to travel the country and spread the message. I mean, that's the way to do it, that's what you call really putting your weight behind something isn't it? It's what one might term … Continue reading Form, function and the politics of lay summaries in health research

Good morning all. I am posting this as one of the judges. This is what the blurb says and the link is at the end. NCCPE Engage Competition 2014 The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement has launched a UK competition to celebrate public engagement with research. The Engage competition is open for entries until … Continue reading Is your public engagement project a winner? New competition.

Another train journey and an opportunity to read around the subject as they say.  This time something from late last year by Professor Ken Young and Professor Ruth Levitt at King's on developing a code of practice for Government Tsars. Several hundred high-profile Tsars have been appointed by Government since 1997.  Two years into my own lower-league … Continue reading Tales of Government Tsardom

Some of you may have seen yesterday's story of the snake eating the crocodile after a five hour duel. If only these magnificent animals had learnt to count to ten they might now be sipping sherries together, by the swamp, dressed in shades and taking selfies. Health, social care and research organisations would do well … Continue reading Snakes and crocodiles in health research: who’s eating who?

I am somewhat perturbed by the countless similarities between the dangerous smog engulfing Beijing and our own experience of a cloud without a silver lining.  I mean, of course, care.data. Leaders wearing face-masks telling people that everything is alright while shops and schools are closed. A lack of light. Stunted crops that serve as a wilting metaphor for … Continue reading Are our charities playing ‘hunger games’ with the evidence?

It was refreshing to read today's Daily Telegraph interview with the still relatively new Chair of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Sir David Haslam. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/nhs/10595806/NHS-patients-should-be-pushy-with-GPs-about-treatment-and-drugs-says-health-chief.html) His comments encouraging patients to be more assertive in asking for drugs approved by NICE that have fallen foul of the postcode lottery should be applauded. … Continue reading Blog: Haslam calls for parity between patients and doctors in making treatment decisions