■ How are the healthcare organisations in your area funded?

■ Is the money they spend on communication scrutinised by stakeholders such as the media or politicians?

■ How do they communicate with you? Do they develop proactive campaigns? Do you only hear from them when they are responding to a crisis? Are they visible in the local community beyond their own premises?

■ Do you think their communication activity is effective and appropriate, given how they are funded?

Feedback

In the United Kingdom publicly funded health organisations are criticised for spending money on communication. Health communicators have been characterised by journalists as spin doctors, more concerned with defending the reputation of the organisation than engaging with the public. Communicators are seen as a legitimate target given that the health system is funded by taxpayers.