NHS Direct Wales

Community Health Councils (CHCs) are independent bodies, set up by law, who listen to what individuals and the community have to say about the health services with regard to quality, quantity, access to and appropriateness of the services provided for them. They then act as the public voice in letting managers of health services know what people want and how things can be improved. In turn, CHCs also consult the public directly on some issues to make sure that they are properly reflecting public views to the Local Health Board, Trust or Welsh Assembly. Link to NHS Direct Wales Community Health Councils

Health Watchdogs

Community Health CouncilsCommunity Health Councils

If you are looking for information about the NHS and its organisations, or free help or advice about a problem you have encountered with the NHS, then please visit the Board of Community Health Councils in Wales below:

Community Health Councils (CHCs) are independent statutory organisations that represent the interests of the patient and the public in the National Health Service. They are
the independent NHS ‘watchdog’ in Wales concerned with all aspects of NHS care and treatment. CHCs are the only statutory lay organisations with rights to information about, access to, and consultation with all NHS organisations.

In April 2004 - The Association of Welsh Community Health Councils became a statutory body known as 'The Board of Community Health Councils in Wales'. At the same time, CHCs were given additional powers to monitor all primary care services and to visit the premises of GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians, as well as private hospitals and care homes.

The Welsh Assembly Government is encouraging NHS organisations to involve patients and the public in decisions about delivery and development of health care and CHCs have been empowered to monitor how it is being done and, if necessary, to help.

Making suggestions and complaints

Do you have suggestions about how we can provide a better service? Your suggestions, compliments or complaints will help us to improve the services we offer. Please download our leaflet Making suggestions and complaints for more information.

 

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW)

The purpose of HIW is to promote continuous improvement in the quality and safety of patient care within NHS Wales. In responding to this intention the role of HIW is to undertake inspections of and investigations into the provision of health care by and for Welsh NHS bodies.

 

Public Services Ombudsman for Wales  

The Public Service Ombudsman for Wales looks into complaints made by or on behalf of people who have suffered because of unsatisfactory treatment or service by the National Health Service (NHS). The Public Service Ombudsman for Wales is completely independent of the NHS and the government. The services of the Public Service Ombudsman for Wales are free.

For further information please visit the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales website.

 

The Wales Concordat

The Concordat Between Bodies Inspecting, Regulating and Auditing Health and Social Care in Wales is a voluntary agreement that was signed in May 2005. Signatories to the Concordat have agreed to work together to eliminate unnecessary burdens of external review, and to deliver more targeted and co-ordinated inspection that is proportionate to the level of risk and supports the improvement of services for patients, service users and their carers.

Related Links:

Patient Experience is the Welsh Assembly Government's website for people working on Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) in the NHS in Wales.