COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL STAFF

Early day motion 16, tabled 26 November 2003 by Tim Yeo (Conservative). Signed by 65 members.

That this House expresses its gratitude to all the dedicated community health council (CHC) staff for their excellent work in representing patients prior to their closure on 1st December; condemns the lack of planning that has led to continued uncertainty over the timing of CHC closures; notes that the announcement of this change came shortly before the CHCs were due to close and that as a result many CHCs have been understaffed and under strength; expresses concern that despite Ministerial assurances given to Parliament on 6th September 2001 that there would be a pathway for CHC staff who wanted to participate in the new system, this pathway has in effect been cut off by the new regulations; and regrets the loss of expertise available to Patients' Forums due to the way in which the transfer from CHCs has been conducted.

Signatures by party: Conservative 63, DUP 1, Independent Conservative 1.