WELCOME TO THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN COMMUNITY HEALTH COUNCIL WEBSITE
WHO ARE WE?
CHCs were set up originally by Act of Parliament in 1974 as independent "Watchdogs" to monitor and review services provided by the NHS. Recent new regulations issued by the Welsh Assembly Government give additional responsibilities since April 2004 to monitor Primary health care services in addition to Hospitals.
The Vale of Glamorgan CHC members are recruited from the general public, nominations from the Local Authority and also from established voluntary organisations. The members are upaid and receive out-of-pocket expenses only. Like all CHCs there are paid support staff, however, and the Vale therefore has a salaried Chief Officer and Assistant.
WHAT WE DO?
Please note we do not give clinical health-care advice or treatment. If you have a health problem requiring immediate advice or treatment please phone your G.P., NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or, if truly urgent and serious, the Ambulance service on 999.
Our members undertake regular monitoring visits to hospitals, clinics and other health service premises and report to managers with their recommendations for improvements.
We make sure that service planners and managers are aware of the views of the people who use their services.
We are consulted on all plans for major changes in local health services such as hospital closures and we can influence the decisions taken by the health authorities.
We are represented at Board Meetings of NHS Trusts and the Vale of Glamorgan Local Health Board.
As mentioned in our preamble, we also have a new responsibility to become familiar with, and monitor primary care services. we aim to do this by working in association with (but independently from) the Local Health Board.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU?
We can:
- Advise you on available health services
- Help you to find further information
- Help you to deal with other health bodies
- Listen to your comments
If you feel that you need to complain about any aspect of the Health Service, we can help you by:
- Providing information about NHS Complaints Procedures
- Making enquiries on your behalf
- Acting as "Patient's Friend" at meetings with Health Service Managers
YOU CAN HELP US BY
Letting us know what sort of service the NHS is providing in our area - We need to know the views of local people. Just as importantly, you may be very pleased with a service and want to be sure that it will continue.
Last updated:
16/06/2009
