15 Feb 2001
The NHS Confederation supports the Government's proposals for patient and public involvement (1).
The proposals form a coherent package which offers the prospect of a better deal for patients and improved quality of public involvement.
Alastair Henderson, policy manager, said, "We believe that since the publication of the original proposals in the NHS Plan the Government has responded in a positive way to issues that have been raised.
The proposals for patient councils (2) to co-ordinate the work of patient forums within an area is a sensible development. But, we are pleased that patient forums connected to local health organisations remain the key components in the new proposals for patients.
With the patient and public involvement function being divided between patient forums, Independent Local Authority Forums (ILAFs) and local authority scrutiny committees it is clear that the Bill means there is no longer a role for community health councils.
The proposals are an exciting opportunity to take patient and public concerns to the heart of the NHS in a way they have never been before."
Ends
The NHS Confederation is uniquely placed to be the voice of NHS management, as the only membership body for all NHS organisations. Our members include more than 95% of NHS trusts and health authorities in England and Wales; primary care groups; health boards in Scotland; and health and social services trusts and boards in Northern Ireland. The new English primary care trusts have joined.
1 The NHS Plan is available on the Department of Health website www.nhs.uk/nhsplan
2 Amendment to the Health and Social Care Bill.
Last reviewed 24 Oct 2006