WHEN the plans to abolish Community Health Councils were framed the intention was to set up Patient and Public Involvement forums.

The memberships would be independent of the NHS so complaints and suggestions would be impartial and constructive.

However, the autonomy of patient representatives has been compromised through a top-down structure of often poorly administered mechanisms including financial, secretarial and contractual arrangements.

The volunteers have often experienced confusion and frustration about their roles.

Those more active and vocal in their criticism, instead of being welcomed for their fresh insights, have often been told "your services are not required".

Consequently essential independence is absent as is transparent communication.

Generally too many more costly management and IT systems, which often include the appointment of more staff, are being set up.

This should be one area for investigation in order to make substantial NHS savings and patient and to give priority to public health.

P SCOPES
Sidcup