Patient Forums: a key voice for Cornwall's health needs

3.13.32pm GMT Tue 14th Nov 2006

Julia Goldsworthy MP and Andrew George MP present petition to Department of Health

Following a meeting with representatives from Cornwall's Patient Forums in Westminster, local MP Julia Goldsworthy has praised their work and promised to defend them against government plans that would undermine their independence and authority.

The Department of Health plans to restructure Cornwall's Patient Forums only 18 months after they were originally established. Instead the proposals put forward by the government would replace the forums with a single organisation that covered the whole county and would no longer have automatic visiting rights that allow members to check on the quality of Health Services provided.

Commenting, Julia Goldsworthy MP said:

"Cornwall's Patient Forums have spent considerable time building credibility and authority. Given the current difficulties facing the NHS in Cornwall it's even more important that there is independent voice representing the views and needs of patients and the wider public.

"Not only are the proposals belated as they were not considered during the recent restructuring of Cornwall's Primary Care Trusts, but they are also a case of costly, disruptive change being introduced, that is simply not required.

"The current Patient Forums have clear statutory powers including the right to visit GPs' surgeries and hospitals in order to speak with patients and conduct important survey work. Under the current proposals, such independent powers will not be available and as a result it will be more difficult to meet with patients and talk to them about their experiences.

"I have written to the Secretary of State for Health in order to raise my concerns and highlight the excellent work that is done by Cornwall's patient forums."

Barbara Hewett-Silk, Chair of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Patients Forum added:

"It is very important that changes made to the configuration of patient groups do not undermine their current authority and independence. I was delighted that Julia attended the meeting of the All Party Group for Public and Patient Involvement and demonstrated her support for Cornwall's patient forums."