New advisory group launched to ensure patient and public voices shape how health data is used
Published date: Thursday 31 July 2025
A new Patient and Public Advisory Group has launched to help shape how health data is used in Cheshire and Merseyside.
The Data into Action Patient and Public Advisory Group (PPAG) brings together people from across Cheshire and Merseyside who care about how health data is used to improve care, treatment, and outcomes.
The group plays a vital role in ensuring that public and patient perspectives are embedded in the Data into Action programme, which aims to unlock the power of health and care data for public good.
The first meeting took place in February 2025, and the group will meet every other month and act as a ‘critical friend’ to the programme.
Members will provide advice on public engagement activities, contribute to the development of communications materials, and help ensure transparency and accountability in how decisions are made.
Andrea Astbury, Data into Action Programme Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “We are proud to have welcomed a diverse group of individuals to the PPAG, each bringing their own experiences and insights.”
“We know there’s still more to do to ensure our group fully reflects the communities we serve. That’s why we’re currently looking to recruit a couple of additional members to join the PPAG.
“If you're passionate about making sure health data is used in a way that benefits everyone, we’d love to hear from you.”
Find out more and apply to join the PPAG on the Data into Action website.