‘Our own preference would have been for reformed Community Health Councils, but we are very encouraged by David Hinchliffe’s amendment; it provides a way forward on this issue that should address many of the major concerns about the new patient representation structures.

‘Clearly the feeling across the health community at present is that if the abolition of CHCs goes ahead, the public will lose the voice of the one effective and experienced Watchdog that they have within the NHS. It would be a tragedy if that were allowed to happen, without an adequate replacement being put in their place.

‘The proposed Patients’ Councils could provide the kind of local overview so clearly lacking from the government’s proposals. It could also act as a visible point of contact for the local community enabling patients and the public to access the support they need when they need it.’

‘If CHCs are abolished it is essential that there is some form of local community led organisation, with teeth to protect patients rights and assist with patients’ complaints. The Patients’ Council could be such an organisation.’

‘Age Concern supports the call for the concept of Patients’ Councils to be reinstated. We believe that Patients’ Forums have the potential to offer useful scrutiny of the full range of health services but that they will need to work in a co-ordinated and collaborative way to be most effective and the establishment of Patients’ Councils may provide this.’

‘We are also concerned that the new proposals are very complex and that one advantage of CHCs is that they are accessible, often on the high street. We believe that without an independent and accessible referring point, older people may find it difficult to get the support they need.’