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February 2^nd 2001

For immediate release

Community Health Councils to be retained in Wales

The National Assembly for Wales announced today, as part of its National Plan for Health, that they are to retain Community Health Councils (CHCs). This marks a stark contrast to their counterparts in England who, if current legislation proceeds, will be abolished.

Jane Jeffs, Chief Officer of the Association of Welsh Community Health Councils commented:

‘We are delighted that the Welsh Assembly has shown such a strong commitment to giving the public a voice in health. They have proved this by retaining CHCs.’

Donna Covey, Director of the Association of Community Health Councils for England & Wales, said:

‘The Welsh Assembly has made the bold move of retaining and strengthening the role of Community Health Councils. We call on the UK government to think again about its proposed abolition of CHCs in England.

‘Put alongside the decision to retain Local Health Councils in Scotland, it now seems that the people of England will be alone in the UK in not having access to an effective, independent, statutory Watchdog.’

-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 the victims of Harold Shipman were supported and the organ scandal at Alder Hey was brought to public attention.
• 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.
• There are 204 CHCs in England and Wales. Similar bodies exist in Scotland (Local Health Councils) & Northern Ireland (Health and Social Services Councils). The Welsh assembly has recently announced its intention of retaining and strengthening CHCs.
• 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.