A NEW PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT STRUCTURE FOR NHSSCOTLAND
Annex 1: Patient Focus and Public Involvement: Local Health Councils
The Patient Focus and Public Involvement framework contains the following section on local Health Councils:
Local Health Councils
The requirement for NHS Boards to engage more directly with the public will impact on the role of Health Councils. Health Councils have also recognised the need for change and for greater clarity about their roles and responsibilities. This is particularly important as different councils have, over time, focused on different areas of interest and often interpreted their role very differently. We will give clarity to the role of Health Councils that takes account of changes in NHSScotland.
Health Councils believe their credibility with the public is jeopardised by the current arrangements, as NHS Boards select and appoint Health Council members and staff. The revised proposals will address this issue, and guidance will be provided in order to address any issues concerning legislation.
We will consult on a suggested new role and structure for Health Councils, which will have 3 main functions
Assessment - ensuring that the voices of patients and the public are heard and the services respond
Development - supporting development of good practice in areas of public, patient and community involvement
Providing feedback - supporting patients, carers and the public to make their views known.
It is proposed to establish a National body with a local presence - the Scottish Health Council.
This body will incorporate:
a national office responsible for infrastructure, staff support, training and dissemination of good practice.
local offices, with a small core staff appointed by the national body and non-executive members locally appointed in conjunction with the national body, working in each NHS Board area.
a Health Service Users Forum in each NHS Board area. This forum will appoint the non-executive members of the local office of the Scottish Health Council.