Post by Trev Williams on Oct 18, 2007 14:18:49 GMT -1
Dear SURP member,
FOR ALL SERVICE USER REFERENCE PANEL (SURP) MEMBERS
It has come to our attention that there have been a number of problems in relationships between some SURP members which has led to conflict. This culminated in the most recent meeting on 12th September, 2007 when the police were called.
The complaints that have been received by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) have led us to the view that there is a considerable lack of confidence in the leadership of SURP such that a number of members do not believe they are listened to, or included in the discussions and feel very unsafe during the meetings.
The level of seriousness of these complaints have led us to the view that SURP should be suspended pending the review of service user and carer involvement in commissioning. The form of this suspension is that the Service Development Workers will not support any meetings or business conducted on behalf of or with SURP. Should service users wish to meet within their own homes or public venues to discuss this, it will be done at their own convenience but without the support of the Service Development Workers or any other PCT managed staff. Work involving service users will continue, but it will no longer take place in the name of SURP.
This action is regrettable; however, given the level of concern expressed, it is the only available way forward for us. This step has been taken with full support of the Social and Community Services Department of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC).
The PCT and OCC do recognise the very valuable contribution made by service users to the development and evaluation of services, however, rapid action had to be taken to ensure service users’ safety. Please note that the service user/carer review will take place as soon as possible, although it has only just been agreed and will take time to put into place. Members of SURP will be contacted to meet with the reviewer and their views will be given equal weight within the review. We obviously cannot at this time predict the recommendations of the review, but we have every confidence that a model for user involvement will emerge which maximizes the strength of service user voices in an inclusive way whilst being protective of participants in retaining their dignity and well being.
Yours sincerely
Fenella Trevillion
Head of Joint Commissioning.
FOR ALL SERVICE USER REFERENCE PANEL (SURP) MEMBERS
It has come to our attention that there have been a number of problems in relationships between some SURP members which has led to conflict. This culminated in the most recent meeting on 12th September, 2007 when the police were called.
The complaints that have been received by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) have led us to the view that there is a considerable lack of confidence in the leadership of SURP such that a number of members do not believe they are listened to, or included in the discussions and feel very unsafe during the meetings.
The level of seriousness of these complaints have led us to the view that SURP should be suspended pending the review of service user and carer involvement in commissioning. The form of this suspension is that the Service Development Workers will not support any meetings or business conducted on behalf of or with SURP. Should service users wish to meet within their own homes or public venues to discuss this, it will be done at their own convenience but without the support of the Service Development Workers or any other PCT managed staff. Work involving service users will continue, but it will no longer take place in the name of SURP.
This action is regrettable; however, given the level of concern expressed, it is the only available way forward for us. This step has been taken with full support of the Social and Community Services Department of Oxfordshire County Council (OCC).
The PCT and OCC do recognise the very valuable contribution made by service users to the development and evaluation of services, however, rapid action had to be taken to ensure service users’ safety. Please note that the service user/carer review will take place as soon as possible, although it has only just been agreed and will take time to put into place. Members of SURP will be contacted to meet with the reviewer and their views will be given equal weight within the review. We obviously cannot at this time predict the recommendations of the review, but we have every confidence that a model for user involvement will emerge which maximizes the strength of service user voices in an inclusive way whilst being protective of participants in retaining their dignity and well being.
Yours sincerely
Fenella Trevillion
Head of Joint Commissioning.