IPA a patients’ advocacy group, not a lobby

IN his article “Pure motives but no mandate, lobbyists monopolise health debate” (Irish Examiner, Nov 11th), Mr Noel Whelan appears to be under a misapprehension about the Irish Patients’ Association (IPA) and its goals.

We are independent and non-political and not, as Mr Whelan suggested, a lobby group; we are a patient and healthcare advocacy body. Our mission is to keep the patient at the centre of the healthcare system - and we do this by advocating within the system for the needs of patients to be put before the needs of the system. We work to protect present and future patients’ rights in healthcare. At present we are a small organisation, one voice among many. Our goals are based on extensive contact with patients, their families and their carers.

As an independent advocacy body, the IPA has worked over the years to develop a mutually respectful partnership with providers at many levels.