David First and foremost this is a thought provoking strategy and as a disabled person I welcome it's intentions. Disabled people represent those who know about their conditions and the treatments and actions to follow to look after their health. I particularly welcome the invitation for everyone to join in the consultation and promote the ultimate aim of person centred care and would urge the PCT to explore every means in developing contact with those who use it's services. Furthermore this comes on the back of already clear methods for listening to the views of older people in particular, where we have seen the arrival of the 'POP Bus' a truly brilliant example of partnership working working between service users and statutory and vountary sector partners. However, maybe it's time for that anomaly where a few more 'buses' or treatments arrive at the same time? Sorry - I was trying to be clever there - where this is a great strategy and I am sure many older and disabled people will take the opportunity to get involved in the '1000's of everday questions' which are currently taking place. As someone working with older people (OPeN) I have observed that the National Service Framework for Older People (Department of Health, 2001) person centred care was emphasised as an important lever for improving services to older people and their carers. Older people need to take the reins on their health care. And older people are saying that to 'practice' in a person centred way with older people, the PCT needs to do a number of things: listen to and actively acknowledge what is important to individuals ensure older people and their carers are kept fully informed give respect demonstrate tactfulness and understanding be willing to share both power and responsibility with older people Much of this is done and there are some exciting new user led consultations on the way eg under Cyntia Davis at Mayday. However - going back to disabled people - I feel more demonstrable work is required to engage with disabled people in how services and tratment is delivered and made available. Older and disabled peoples groups would welcome the opportunity of working more closely with statutory colleagues in making things better for older and disabled people in Croydon. Big question (for both the PCT and older and disabled people: Would it be beneficial for all medical teams under the jurisdiction of the PCT to look at ways of involving disabled people in the design of the delivery of different services and how / disabled people feel about them? Can the PCT fully support disabled and older people in this role? Do disabled and older people want to take part and offer insight into these opportunities? Should older and disabled people be offered recompense for their time and knowledge together with out of pocket expenses. Many older and disabled people say this is one area that stops their involvement in contributing to service redesign. Older an disabled people sometimes chose to contribute to society in different ways for example many can't work because of prejudices and insurmountable social barriers - could stautory partners offer meaningful financial reward for people's involvement? This may take the form of offering training and other opportunities for older and disabled people. Many thanks - great work. Andrew