HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 c55W
Mr. Mitchell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations prior to his recent consultation exercise he has had with(a) the Grimsby and Community Health Council and (b) the National Association of Community Health Councils concerning the future policies and operation of the National Health Service; and what part he expects them to play in his current consultation process. [125384]

Yvette Cooper

Community health councils have the statutory right to be consulted about major services changes planned for their districts. Since we took office, the North East Lincolnshire Community Health Council, which is based in Grimsby, has been consulted about two proposed trust mergers, a review of acute services in the district and the proposed closure of a hospital in a neighbouring district. In common with the rest of the population the Council has had the opportunity to provide comments on the National Health Service for consideration as we work towards our National Plan.

We are in regular contact with the National Association of Community Health Councils in England and Wales and there have been many opportunities for them to contribute to the development of policy for the National Health Service. They have submitted their views as part of the national consultation exercise.