The Preparing Professionals for Partnership with the Public Primary Care Programme evolved from a project which aimed to develop tutorial capacity on public involvement within the Department of Post Graduate Education in General Practice North Thames (West).

Four people at the NHS Executive London Region were crucial to its development into 4Ps. Virginia Beardshaw for her early recognition of its potential and her ongoing support. David Colin-Thome for his guidance and enthusiasm. Charles Easmon for setting the challenge of its conversion to the acute sector. Elizabeth Dimond who steered, supported, challenged and co-ordinated throughout. They helped turn vision into reality. A highly productive pilot in Hillingdon, one of the first Primary Care Trusts in England, led to the incorporation of the module “The patient’s journey”.

The original development team, led by Fedelma Winkler, was Tania Eber, a GP with special interest in community involvement, Anna McCreadie, nurse member of a Primary Care Group and professional development nurse, Penny Trafford, a GP principal and Associate Dean (The London Deanery) and Renos Pittarides. Lindsey Graham compiled the facilitator’s pack and resource material for delegates.

The development team for The Patient’s Journey was Penny Trafford, Bob Clarke, The London Deanery, Sabby Kant, GP, Sue Taylor, Hillingdon PCT and Lindsey Graham.

Fedelma Winkler and Lindsey Graham compiled the material to be piloted with Hillingdon Hospital, University College London Hospitals, Cardiac Services, the Research and Development programme at London Region and, commissioned by The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund Project, The Royal Marsden Hospital, for South West and West London Cancer Networks.