The Welsh Government should invest in building on Community Health Councils (CHCs) rather than abolishing them, an MP has said.
David Davies described proposals to scrap CHCs in Wales as a “retrograde step” and an attempt to “stifle” the voice of patients.
He said the big issue is that not enough people know about the work of the independent NHS watchdog and money should instead be spent on raising the profile of local CHCs.
Mr Davies spoke out after meeting with members of Aneurin Bevan Community Health Council to discuss the Welsh Government’s plans, which are contained in a recently-published white paper consultation document.
“CHCs have an important role to play in ensuring that high standards are always maintained within the NHS,” said the Monmouth MP.
“Their complete independence means public and staff alike can have confidence that complaints will be dealt with properly.
“I think the big issue is that not enough people know about the work of CHCs and rather than scrapping them, we should perhaps invest a bit of money in raising their profile.”
CHCs are independent statutory organisations that represent the interests of the patient and the public in the NHS. They are the independent NHS ‘watchdog’ in Wales concerned with all aspects of NHS care and treatment.
Local CHCs are made up of voluntary members who can inspect hospital facilities at any time and without warning following complaints from members of the public.
“In a typical example outlined to me, the CHC visited a hospital in Gwent to check on the hygiene of linen following a tip-off that it was not being cleaned,” added Mr Davies.
“The resulting enquiries led to an immediate and successful conclusion.
“Volunteers often have a background that enables them to get the information they need, which can then be passed on to the appropriate authorities.”