New look for NHS

Feb 4 2010 by Judith Phillips, North Wales Weekly News

THE six Community Health Councils (CHCs) currently operating in North Wales are to be scrapped and replaced by a single body.

Health minister Edwina Hart announced the move last week, saying it followed a long period of consultation which she says showed the current structure of CHCs no longer fitted the modern health service.

She said: “I have long recognised the important role of CHCs in Wales.

“They have a valuable contribution in the development of local health services and are now unique to Wales.

“The current CHC structure is no longer fit-for-purpose in the new NHS structure. The new look CHC structure will strengthen and build on the good work CHCs already undertake on behalf of patients.

“The recently completed consultation received broad consensus on the way forward, although a number of concerns were expressed about member numbers and the naming of CHCs.

“In terms of the numbers of members, I will review the arrangements after two years. I intend to keep the names as proposed but am content for CHCs to add a tagline to explain the area they cover, if they think this would be helpful.

“I believe the new structure will enhance the patients’ voice in the new NHS in Wales and help support our efforts to ensure the NHS remains open and transparent in delivering and developing services.”

The new North Wales CHC will be called the Betsi Cadwaldr University Community Health Council. It will come into existence on April 1 after the existing CHCs have been disbanded on March 31.

Anyone interested in serving as a volunteer member of the new body should contact Mrs Chris Jones, chief officer, Conwy Community Health Council, 4 Trinity Square, Llandudno, on 01492 878840 or by e-mail at chris.jones@conwychc.org.uk