Introduction to CHCs
Background
Community Health Councils (CHCs) were established in 1974 as part of the re-organisation of the NHS to 'represent the interests in the health service of the public in their districts'.  They were set up following a series of scandals in long-stay hospitals, and in recognition that Health Authorities could not manage hospitals and represent patients without their being a Conflict of Interest.

CHCs were seen as a link between the NHS and the community that they served, separating the management of service provision from the representation of patient and community interests.
Membership of CHCs
There are 204 CHCs in England and Wales.  Similar bodies exist in Scotland (Health Councils) and Northern Ireland (Health and Social Services Councils). 

Each CHC has between 16-30 volunteer members: half local authority nominees; a third elected by the local voluntary sector; a sixth appointed by the Secretary of State for Health (or Welsh Assembly for Welsh CHCs).  In addition, the CHC can co-opt onto their Committees, people who have specialist skills or particular health related interests.  Together, the CHC staff and members act as local NHS watchdogs.
​Roles of CHCs
The roles perfumed by CHCs include:
  • Monitoring local service delivery
  • Representing the public and providing their communities' views during consultative exercises
  • Offering advice and assistance to individuals

Over the past 37 years, CHCs have been at the forefront of ensuring that the patients' voice is heard, and their complaints listened to.  Each years, CHCs assist around 30,000 people with complaints.  CHCs give free, independent and confidential support.  Most recently, they played a pivotal role in ensuring that Rodney Leeward, an incompetent gynaecologist, was exposed and the relatives of Dr. Harold Shipman's victims were supported.
​Abolition of CHCs
In July 2000, as part of the NHS Plan, the Government announced its proposal to abolish CHCs in England.  The proposal was embodied in the Health and Social Care Bill.

The passage of the Health and Social Care Bill through Parliament this year, was marked by considerable controversy over the intended abolition of CHCs.  The Government faced widespread opposition, both inside and outside Parliament, a range of charities and professional groups, patients' organisations all spoke out against the proposal.  The Government was defeated in the Lords on the issue, and both the Conservative and Liberal democrat parties opposed the measure.  There was considerable opposition on the Government's own Back Benches, - most notably from David Hinchcliffe, the Chair of the Health Select Committee.

Because of the strength of the opposition, the Government shelved the proposed abolition of CHCs, in order to allow the smooth passage of the remaining part of the Bill.
Proposals
The Government has returned to the issue with the launch - on 03 September - of a discussion document entitled 'Involving Patients and the Public in Healthcare'.  

Point 1.5 of the document reads:
'The immediate focus of this document is the Government's intention to legislate, at the earliest opportunity, to replace Community Health Councils.'

ACHCEW - the national body for CHCs - believes that the Government's proposals are not in the best interest of patients, and has proposed that reform of CHCs, rather than abolition, would be a better way of delivering the Government's proposals.

The future of CHCs and ACHCEW, therefore remains uncertain, although they are expected to remain until at least March 2003.

The Government is expected to produce a Bill in November that will set out proposals for patient and public involvement mechanisms.

Membership of CHCs   ...   12 pages
Establishment   .   Composition of CHCs   .   Nomination Procedure   .   Eligibility for Membership   .   Balance and Background of Members   .   Term of Office for Members   .   Election of Chair and Vice Chair   .   Co-option   .   Functions of CHCs   .   Statutory Role   .   Reviewing the Local Health Service   Consultation   .   Structure of CHCs   .   Council Meetings Public Session of Council Meetings   .   Working Groups   .   Role of Members of CHCs      Visiting   .   Visiting Arrangements   Frequency of Visits   .  Reports on Visits   .   Notification of Visits   .   Expenses   .   What to look for when visiting  Members; Expenses   .   Travelling step