Re-appointment of five Community Health Council members

Five members have been re-appointed to Community Health Councils (CHC) for a term of two years.

The reappointments have been made by the Minister for Health and Social Services and they will represent North Wales and South Glamorgan Community Health Councils.

Each CHC covers a distinct geographical area in Wales, which aligns with the local health board responsible for designing and delivering NHS services in that area.

The councils are responsible for regularly visiting and scrutinising local health services and, working with their respective health boards, engaging with their communities to ensure they are being suitably represented.

Members are responsible for representing the interests of patients and the public in the planning and agreement of NHS service changes, as well as enabling them to raise concerns about the services they receive through an Independent Complaints Advocacy service.

The members will not be paid for their work, but they will be entitled to travel and subsistence allowances whilst carrying out business related to their roles.

From April 2023, the new Citizen Voice Body (CVB) will replace the CHCs and will continue to represent the voice of patients for their healthcare and in addition, social care services.

These reappointments have been made for two years to provide some stability for the CHCs and allow them to retain experienced members during the establishment of the CVB. The new CVB will operate a volunteer scheme and there will be opportunities for CHC members to become volunteers, should they wish to do so.

The following Community Health Council members have been re-appointed:

South Glamorgan CHC

·        Robert Henley for the period of 2 years from 31 July 2022 to 30 July 2024.

·        Shirley Willis for the period of 2 years from 30 September 2022 to 29 September 2024.

·        Stephen Nicholls for a period of 2 years from 30 September 2022 to 29 September 2024.

North Wales CHC

·        Myfanwy Baines for the period of 2 years from 31 July 2022 to 30 July 2024.

·        Dianne Gill for the period of 2 years from 31 August 2022 to 30 August 2024.