Launch of Consultation on Local Healthcare

Strathaven resident and Central Scotland MSP Linda Fabiani, has welcomed new plans for greater public involvement in the NHS which could lead to direct elections for some members of health boards.

The SNP Government is proposing to introduce a Local Healthcare Bill to enhance the role patients and the public play in decisions about how local health services are designed and delivered. The consultation asks for views on how this might best be done.

Speaking after the consultation was launched Ms Fabiani said:

“The consultation on the Local Healthcare Bill, is part of the SNP Governments desire to improve public and community involvement in the work of NHS boards.

“In East Kilbride we have seen recent decisions to change the way NHS services are delivered raise strong feelings in the local community here and in Monklands when NHS Lanarkshire wished to close an accident and emergency department. Many people believe that the views of local people are not taken sufficient account of when NHS Boards make these decisions.

“NHS Boards have difficult decisions to take at times but I believe that consideration of the views of local people should be at the heart of the process, and that the process for any service changes must be open to scrutiny. This consultation should lead to improved public and community involvement with NHS Boards.

“Members of the public can access the consultation document at  http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/208149/0055207.pdf  and I would encourage people to take a look and consider making a response before the closing date of the 1^st April 2008. ”