ABSTRACT
One must not underestimate the contribution of individuals and voluntary patient groups in bringing pressure to bear on the health service and the health professions to see the users' point of view and to bring about policy change. From the point of view of public understanding of science, the responsibility lies with the government to provide funding and opportunities for the setting up of the new groups. There should be adequate resources to support and sustain the activities of these voluntary groups. Increasingly there are opportunities for members of the public to actively participate in the management of the health service and other similar organisations. The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health was set up in January 2003. The purpose of this new quality assurance machinery is to ensure public involvement in decision-making about health and the provision of health services. The problem of seeking true representation from the public is a real one.
