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28^th November, 2000

For immediate release

In today’s adjournment debate on the future of Community Health Councils, the Health Minister Gisela Stuart, described the ‘watchdog model’ as ‘outmoded’. Donna Covey, Director of the Association of Community Health Councils, commented:

‘It must be a matter for serious public concern that the minister is now justifying the abolition of Community Health Councils by describing a ‘Watchdog model’ as ‘outmoded’.

‘There is a clear consensus on this issue across the health community, from patient organisations to professional bodies. The NHS needs an effective, independent Watchdog. We welcome greater public involvement in the NHS, but it is no substitute for independent scrutiny.

‘Unfortunately there are many occasions within the NHS that patients need someone independent to speak up for them frankly and sometimes forcefully.

‘Getting rid of CHCs won’t get rid of the problems in the NHS, but it might just make them more difficult to detect.’

-ends-

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

email: murray.benham@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 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.