§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will allocate further funds to community health councils to enable them to raise their public profile; and if he will make a statement. [33760]
§ Mr. MaloneNo. The working group on the future establishing arrangements for community health councils identified a need for further work in relation to equalising CHC resources after RHA functions transfer to the NHS executive in April 1996. This work will be based on our commitment to ensuring broad consistency in handling CHC affairs.
§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure greater involvement by community health councils in the processes of needs assessment, the monitoring of performance and quality and in "Local Voices" programmes; and if he will make a statement. [33674]
§ Mr. MaloneGuidance issued by the National Health Service Executive in 1992 entitled "Local Voices" emphasised the need for the national health service to become truly responsive to the needs, views and preferences of local people. Community health councils have and will continue to play a significant role in this process.
This continued role is clearly acknowledged in the planning and priorities guidance for 1996–97. The guidance details the six most important national priorities for the NHS over the next three to five years, one of which is to give greater voice and influence to health service users.