Alan Bellinger helps Rob Pearman to understand how an individual can actively participate in the decision-making processes within the NHS – from their local surgery’s Patient Participation Group (PPG) to the wider St Albans & Harpenden Patient Group (www.sapg.org.uk) and then even wider to the County’s scrutiny body known as Healthwatch (www.healthwatchhertfordshire.co.uk).  Every hospital also has a number of volunteering opportunities.  In all cases, check out the website and look for opportunities to get involved.