Revolt fails to save watchdogs
3:29pm Wednesday 23rd January 2002
THE abolition of Community Health Councils (CHCs) moved a step closer last week despite a rebellion by Labour back-bench MPs.
The Third Reading of the NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill was passed in the House of Commons on Tuesday last week (January 15) even though 26 Labour MPs voted for a Conservative amendment to retain and reform the health watchdogs.
The controversial bill has attracted much criticism from the Association of Community Health Councils and its director, Peter Welsh, maintains that it would alienate the public from the NHS.
He said: "What is missing from the government's proposals is an independent, community-led, local body that could pull together all the disparate elements of the new system, act as a powerful voice for the public in the NHS, and provide a convenient one-stop-shop for patients who need help with a complaint or want to raise an issue of concern."
The bill will now be raised for debate in the House of Lords on January 31.
Eating Out
The Lambton Worm, North Road, Chester-le-Street
THE legend of the Lambton Worm is one of the great tales of North- East folklore, living on in the words of the song that generations of children have learnt.
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