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February 15^th, 2001

For immediate release

Community Health Councils in

Mass lobby of Parliament

 

Community Health Council (CHC) representatives and their supporters from across the UK held a mass lobby of Parliament on St Valentines day (Wednesday the 14^th February), in a last-ditch attempt to prevent the government from abolishing them. The theme of the day was ‘Watchdog not Lapdog’. Campaigners were joined on the lobby by a larger than life sized Watchdog.

Donna Covey, Director of the Association of Community Health Councils, said:

‘The mass lobby really demonstrated the strength of feeling that there is on this issue across the country - people want to keep their Community Health Councils! Our lobby was attended by: MPs from all parties, Liam Fox the Shadow Secretary of State for Health, Paul Burstow Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, Charities, professional bodies, the Law Society, parents from Alder Hey, pensioner groups and many, many individuals who have benefitted from the help of their local CHC.’

‘We are confident that the lobby was succesful in taking our message to the heart of Westminster.’

Campaigners now intend to pursue their argument in the Lords.

 

-ends-

For further information and a local quote please contact your local CHC or contact Murray Benham on - 020 7609 8138

email: murray.benham@achcew.org.uk

Further pictures of the day are available on the ACHCEW website: www.achcew.org.uk

Notes to Editors

• Scotland and Wales have decided to retain CHCs, leaving England as the only part of the UK without an integrated network of patient Watchdogs.

• 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.