The Organisation
DIPEx was created by Dr Ann McPherson CBE and Dr Andrew Herxheimer after their own experiences of illness. Ann had been diagnosed with breast cancer and although she knew all the medical information, couldn't find anyone else to talk to about what it was really like to have the disease. This, and Andrew's experience of knee replacement surgery, prompted them to come up with the innovative idea of a patient experience website. A small group of people from various backgrounds were asked to join a Steering Group and after many meetings around Ann's kitchen table, the idea flourished with the help of Lion New Media (part of Lion Television).
DIPEx is now a registered charity (no. 1087019) and works closely with the Health Experience Research Group at the University of Oxford to disseminate research into personal experiences of health and illness. The research is funded by a variety of organisations, including the Department of Health, Macmillan Cancer Relief, British Heart Foundation, Lord Ashdown Trust and Comic Relief. DIPEx does not accept funding from drug companies or have commercial advertising on the site. You can view our ethical funding policy here.
Our aims are:
· To share the experience of illness or a health problem and to provide support for patients and carers who may feel that they are on their own.
· Answer the questions and problems that matter to people when they are ill or have a health-related problem and to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.
· Provide reliable, evidence-based information about illnesses and health problems
· Be an educational resource for health professionals
· Promote better communication between patients and health professionals
Our Board of Trustees meets quarterly and comprises a wide range of experience in charity governance, medicine, legal affairs and finance. The DIPEx Stratergy Group brings together members of the Charity and the Health Experiences Research Group, and provides guidance and advice on research projects and priorities. The Strategy Group meets 2-3 times per year. A joint management committee meets more frequently to manage day to day matters between the Charity and the Health Experiences Research Group. Please click on ‘People’ to see who we are.
For a copy of our latest Annual Report & Accounts, please click here.