'Bevan change could confuse' (From South Wales Argus)

'Bevan change could confuse'

7:40am Wednesday 23rd December 2009 in Gwent news By Andy Rutherford - Health correspondent

PATIENTS' watchdogs fear that a proposal to rename Gwent Community Health Council (CHC) after NHS founder Aneurin Bevan may be confusing to the public and a threat to its independence.

But they want to hear the views of people across Gwent before responding to a consultation docuement on the proposal.

Plans to strengthen CHCs' role in Wales, published last month, proposed that the councils should adopt the name of the health board in their area.

In Gwent, the Aneurin Bevan Health Board assumed responsibility for providing healthcare in October, so the CHC would be renamed Aneurin Bevan Community Health Council.

But Gwent CHC members have expressed misgivings about the proposal.

"Our initial thoughts are that this might align us too closely with the local NHS we are meant to be scrutinising and call into question our independent advocacy role in supporting those taking forward a complaint," said Gwent CHC chief officer, Cathy O’Sullivan.

"Two organisations with similar names but very different roles could also be a recipe for confusion, leading to misdirected inquiries and contacts."

She recognised however, that some people may feel there is merit in a change of name.

People may make their views known by talking to Cathy O’Sullivan or David Kenny on 01633 838516, writing to Gwent Community Health Council, Raglan House, Llantarnam Business Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AB or e-mailing gwentchc@gwentchc.org.uk The CHC would like peoples’ views by January 6 when its full Council next meets. The meeting will be at Greenmeadow Golf Club, Cwmbran, at 5.30pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and give their views in person.