Informing, engaging and consulting with patients and the public in the design and delivery of health services must be a fundamental part of a modern, 21st century NHS.We carried out a consultation during 2004 on involving, engaging and consulting the public on health policy and service change, and further guidance will be issued by the Scottish Executive Health Department shortly.The development of patient-centred health services, as a core activity of NHS boards, should be funded from within each board’s financial allocation.