§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information and guidance he issues to members of the public on becoming involved in local consultations on the provision of health care and social services; and what plans he has to develop this. [72191]
§ Mr. Lammy[holding answer 23 July 2002]: Currently, it is the legal responsibility of community health councils (working with their local National Health Service organisation/s) to ensure the public view is represented in decisions about local health care provision.
When the new system for patient and public involvement is established, the staff employed by new commission for patient and public involvement in health (CPPIH), based with primary care trust patients' forums will be locally responsible for promoting local consultations and involvement activity to involve local people in healthcare decision making with statutory organisations.
One of the ways the CPPIH may carry out its functions is by providing guidance for members of the public who would like to get involved. This will be a matter for the CPPIH.
Patients' Forums will also be established for every NHS trust and PCT, they too will provide a mechanism for local peoples' views to be heard. In addition community and voluntary organisations, working through the Local Compact, will be another pathway for local people to be involved and consulted in decisions about local healthcare.