§ Mr. Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the oral answer of the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for Eddisbury (Mr. O'Brien) of 15 November 2000,Official Report, column 937, what action he has taken to ensure full consultation with the Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales as regards the future role of community health councils in respect of the National Plan. [R] [1409451]
§ Ms StuartOver the past few months we have held a series of stakeholder seminars both nationally and locally involving key patient, user and voluntary sector organisations to develop the detail of the new arrangements for public and patient involvement. The Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales (ACHCEW) has been a key player in the national seminars and has separately met health Ministers and officials. ACHCEW have also undertaken to conduct their own exercise to take the views of community health councils locally, and a major national event for these purposes will be held on 4 December.
The output from the seminars, and from the event to be hosted by ACHCEW will be taken into account when developing the guidance for the new arrangements, which will be launched at a national event in the New Year.