Welsh Government
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Opportunities to champion patients’ rights in Wales

The organisations that represent patients’ rights in Wales have several vacancies and are seeking new members.

The 19 Community Health Councils across Wales independently monitor local health services from GPs surgeries to hospital and community services.

Applicants are being sought to the watchdogs, which aim to help the NHS continually improve services it provides patients. They have a crucial role in representing patients’ views on any proposals to change local health services.

Members are unpaid but are entitled to claim travel expenses for carrying out their duties such as attending meetings and conducting inspections.

A two-day conference for members of Community Health Councils begins today in Llanelli. The theme of this year’s conference is local health services.  

Health Minister Edwina Hart said: “Community Health Councils play a valuable role in championing patients’ rights and in our drive to deliver high-quality health services across Wales.

“It can be a very rewarding role and members have an important role in helping to shape the way health services are delivered.

“It is important that members have a good understanding of the community and I would encourage anyone with an interest in health and social services to consider applying for one of these posts across Wales.”

Carol Jones, Director of the Board of Community Health Councils in Wales, added: “Members are the lifeblood of Community Health Councils.  We need individuals who are representative of the localities we serve.  Everyone who is appointed will be given support and training along the way.  CHCs are constantly developing and in view of the strategic changes going on in health and social care, play a vital role in safeguarding the interests of the public within the NHS.”

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