A health watchdog in Lewisham is calling on the Greater London Council (GLA) to set up a scrutinizing body to deal with medical problems in the capital.
The chairman of Lewisham Community Health Council (CHC), Alan Hall, says he is concerned there will not be enough scrutiny of London health trusts when CHCs are replaced by the "less independent" patient forums.
The changes are part of the Government's NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill which is going through Parliament at the moment.
Mr Hall says there is no provision for a London-wide health watchdog in the Bill.
He believes the GLA should set one up to increase the "accountability of the local NHS".
The GLA, however, says there is broad support for a London-wide body.
The authority is currently involved in discussions with NHS ministers concerning setting up such a body.
December 31, 2001 13:30
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