HC Deb 09 December 2002 vol 396 cc155-6W
Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when community health councils will cease to exist; and when patients forums will be established. [84884]

Mr. Lammy

The abolition of Community Health Councils (CHCs) is a matter for the Government and we hope to be able to make announcements about the timetable for the abolition very soon. The timetable for the establishment of patients' forums is a matter for the Commission and it is one of the issues currently being considered by the Commissions designate chair, designate chief executive and the interim team. We will be working closely with the Commission to ensure that there is a smooth transition from CHCs to patients' forums.