Mike Casselden
Since early retirement 15 years ago from ill–health (M.E.) I have been active in Community Health matters. I have a PhD in ideological processes and was a Chartered Town planner in local government. I have used my skills of research and analysis, plus knowledge of community politics, to engage with health matters on behalf of patients.
Until its recent closure, I was a member of the Patient and Public Involvement in Health (PPI) Forum for primary health care in Newcastle and its Chair. I am a member of Newcastle’s Primary Care Trust’s Protection & Risk and Quality & Safety Committees, and the Diabetic Network, as a patient representative.
Also, I am a member of the Transitional Board for Newcastle’s LINk (Local Involvement Network) with a remit to represent community groups and the public in health and social care provision in Newcastle. Additionally, I chair the Tyneside branch of Epilepsy Action and am secretary of Diabetes UK’s volunteer support group in Newcastle.
From personal knowledge, and experience of poor health treatment and bad medical practice, key issues must be pursued to improve patient safety. First, a need for competent and skilled health care workers to keep up to date and share best professional practice, working in partnership with patients. Second, a more effective ‘team’ dialogue between physicians and specialists for accurate and effective diagnoses of chronic conditions, as quickly as possible. And fourth, the avoidance of needless accidents in the administration of drugs, resulting from poor communication.
