Powys Lib Dems call to save CHC's (Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats)

Cymraeg
English

Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrats <info@brecon-radnor-libdems.org.uk>

Powys Lib Dems call to save CHC's

February 24, 2009 2:35 PM

Powys representatives Kirsty Williams AM, Mick Bates AM and Cllr Les Davies have called for Powys to retain its current system of two Community Health Councils (CHCs), one for Montgomeryshire and one for Brecon and Radnorshire.

The Assembly Government is currently consulting on the future of CHCs in Wales and proposes to dissolve the existing 19 CHCs and replace them with 7 new ones. Under these plans Powys would be left with one CHC and two 'area associations', these would undertake the functions of the CHC at a local level and then advise the CHC of local views.

Kirsty Williams, AM for Brecon & Radnorshire, said: "We have made representations to the Minister calling for her to retain the two CHCs that currently exist in Powys. The vast size and demographics of the county mean that Powys, as so often is the case, requires a distinct service that is suited to its very individual needs - in the current two CHCs we have this. The system works and it works well - there is no need to change it.

"CHCs provide an essential role in providing patients with the support and voice sometimes needed within the vast structure of the NHS and Powys does not need the efficacy of the two CHCs taken away by the addition of an extra layer of bureaucracy in the form of the proposals for two area officers."

Mick Bates, AM for Montgomeryshire, said: "The consultation on the future of CHCs in Wales places significant importance on engaging all citizens at a local level, however this is a service that is already delivered by the CHCs in Powys, which operate so well and do such fantastic work in representing the people in all aspects of the NHS.

"CHCs have an essential role to play as independent bodies representing the interests of patients and supplying advice, advocacy and mediation services and it is vital that this service is not undermined in the future.

"I hope that the Minister will recognise that the proposed changes will be no improvement to the current system in Powys but may in fact threaten the ability of CHCs to talk to people down on the ground and continue to represent their views as they do so well."

Notes:

Peter Black AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Health and Social Services, will be submitting a formal response to the consultation on behalf of the party, calling for a system of 23 strengthened CHCs; which would allow for the retention of the two CHCs in Powys.
Details of the consultation can be found at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/consultations/healthsocialcare/communityhealthcouncils/;jsessionid=dpGGJhfMh2Lt2YQJ6rQvL2cjfskvpQ7Y9DY20zQ2pnZ82Tq1Dfbl!-1527509374?lang=en

Ends/diwedd