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Embargoed until: 00:01 Wednesday 18^th July 2001

'Government must rise to the challenge

of patient empowerment'

Community Health Council (CHC) delegates from across the country will today hear a keynote AGM speech from Donna Covey, Director of the health watchdog the Association of Community Health Councils (ACHCEW). The speech will call on the government to 'build on the strengths of CHCs, to develop a system of patient representation that is, independent, integrated and has real teeth.'

Donna Covey will say:

‘If the government means what it says on patient empowerment, then it seems to me we all want the same thing: to ensure that patients have more say over their treatment and more influence in how the NHS works.

'That is the destination. That is what we have been striving for over the past 27 years. Last time around, we got the feeling that the Government had labeled CHCs "not wanted on the journey". The challenge for the government is to ensure that all those who care about the rights of patients are on board. The record of CHCs in delivering for local communities for over a quarter of a century earns them a place on the journey.'

Ms Covey, will also point to how much local CHC knowledge and experience has to contribute to the national debate on the NHS, particularly during a period of major reform.

The conference will also be addressed by Sir Donald Irvine, President of the General Medical Council, who will talkabout the changing culture of medicine and the active role the GMC is playing in making the profession more open, accountable and patient centred.

-ends-

For further information please contact: Murray Benham on - 020 7609 8405

Mobile: 07971 958938

Temporary conference number for July 18^th only: 020 7434 2430

email: murray.benham@achcew.org.uk

website: www.achcew.org.uk

 

Notes to Editors

• The abolition of CHCs formed part of the National Plan announced on July 27^th 2000. CHCs narrowly escaped abolition during the last session of parliament when opposition from Liberal and Conservative MPs and peers threatened to prevent the passage of the the Health and Social Care Bill, forcing the government to remove clauses abolishing CHCs from the bill.

• CHCs were established in 1974 as patient advocates within the NHS. Over the past 26 years they have been at the forefront of ensuring that the patients' voice is heard and their complaints listened to. Most recently, they played a pivotal role in ensuring that Rodney Ledward was exposed, and that the victims of Harold Shipman were supported.

• There are 700 staff in Community Health Councils across the country all of whom face an uncertain future. CHCs also have over 5,000 volunteer members who contribute freely of their time to act as unpaid watchdogs for NHS patients.

• Each year CHCs assist around 30,000 people with complaints.

• A recent report, 'Hidden Volunteers', conducted by Community Service Volunteers (CSV) estimated that CHC members contribute over £7.9million worth of free labour to the NHS.