On Wed 28th June 2017 the Welsh Government published a White Paper that proposed the most radical change to the patient’s voice in the NHS in over 40 years.  The proposals would introduce for the first time a body with a remit across health and social care.  The proposals would see the end of long standing arrangements set up to place power in the hands of local people to monitor how their NHS services are working.

Jackie Allen Chair of North Wales CHC said:

“CHCs welcome the intention to create a stronger citizen voice in health and social care.  However, we are yet to be convinced that the proposals outlined do not dilute rather than strengthen this voice in some important areas.  For example, the proposed new citizens voice body would not have legal rights to hold health organisations to account for the way in which they deliver their services.  This is currently a key role of CHCs who will be abolished under the new arrangements.

It is really important that people in Wales take the opportunity to look at the proposals and give their opinion on how their voice should be heard in future”.

You can read the proposals and respond to the Welsh Government’s consultation here ‘’Services fit for the future”     Consultation end date 28th September 2017

BBC news: New laws to improve NHS Wales and social care working