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‘Voices’ raised over patient power

The future of patient representation in the NHS has not become any clearer in the wake of government proposals for a new system to replace community health councils.

The government proposed abolition of the councils in the NHS Plan over a year ago, since when CHCs have been fighting a rearguard action for survival.

In September health minister Hazel Blears – herself previously a CHC chief officer – announced new statutory organisations, called ‘Voices’, to co-ordinate the views of local patient forums in a strategic health authority area.

But in contrast to the forums, which are patient-led, Voices would employ specialist staff and have no lay members.

Current proposals now seem to have at least five different levels of patient organisation, leaving both critics and supporters confused. The national association of CHCs describes the system as a ‘mishmash’.