Local health scrutiny bodies given extra £2.25m

6 Nov 03
Local authority committees with powers to scrutinise local health services have been given a £2.25m boost this week.

07 November 2003

Local authority committees with powers to scrutinise local health services have been given a £2.25m boost this week.

Councils in England with social services responsibilities will replace much of the scrutiny work of Community Health Councils, which are due to be abolished next month, through Overview and Scrutiny Committees (OSCs).

NHS trusts have to consult OSCs on major service changes, while the committees have the power to call health managers to hearings about the provision, planning and delivery of health services. Their reports will be made public.

The cash, which will be distributed by the Centre for Public Scrutiny in association with the Local Government Association, will be used to develop more rigorous evaluation and the spread of ideas that have led to health improvements.

Health minister Rosie Winterton said: 'Through scrutiny the NHS will be more accountable to local people through democratically elected councillors.

'The NHS must involve OSCs, and by doing this the service will build even closer links with local communities.'

PFnov2003

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