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As Chair of Council I am often asked “What do you do?” As Chair I listen, explain, advise, motivate, respond, support, challenge, lead… the list of buzz words is endless. I also have to read and interpret a vast array of written and statistical material. The latter involves graphs, charts and tables showing information relating to targets set for things such as waiting lists, time spent in A&E departments and uptake of screening to improve health and well-being. I sometimes feel a bit of a word merchant or number cruncher but my central focus will always be people. Much debate has recently been centred on whether we deal with patients, clients, users or carers but I prefer to think of them primarily as people. Whether they are staff members, council members or members of the general public people deserve to be treated as people. That is central to my role and the message of the Council to the wider health and social care community.
Patricia McMillan |
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