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August 2, 2002

For immediate release

 

ACHCEW congratulates Sharon Grant on her appointment as chair designate of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health

Commenting on today's announcement of the appointment of Sharon Grant as Chair designate of the Commission for Patient and Public Invovlement in Health Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales’ spokesperson Murray Benham said:

‘On behalf of ACHCEW I’d like to congratulate Mrs Grant on her appointment. We are looking forward to working alongside her over the coming months, in order to deliver the best possible system of patient and public involvement.

‘As I’m sure she is aware there will be many challenges. Not least of these will be ensuring that the skills and experience of CHC members and staff are not lost to the new system.‘

-ends-

For further information please contact: Murray Benham on - 020 7609 8138

email: murray.benham@achcew.org.uk

website: www.achcew.org.uk

Notes to Editors

• 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. 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.