"We can work together to improve Kingston's NHS"

Kingston MP addresses new local health forums

10.09.04

Local Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey will be delivering a speech to the new Patient and Public Involvement Forums for Kingston Hospital and Kingston Primary Care Trust at the forums' first public meeting on Tuesday 14th from 7.30 pm at the Guildhall in Kingston.

The meetings will be a regular means of facilitating a dialogue between the local health services and the people who use them. The forums have been established throughout the country to monitor and work alongside NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts. They will be composed of local people and will be able to take an active role in making the health decisions that directly affect the community they serve.

Edward Davey MP, whose speech will cover how the Forums have replaced Community Health Councils, commented

"Despite my concern about the demise of the Community Health Council, it is good to see the Kingston Patient and Public Involvement Forums up and running.

"They have the potential to be important champions of our local NHS. They could help us influence the day-to-day running of Kingston Hospital and Kingston Primary Care Trust.

"It is so important for the people who use Kingston's healthcare facilities to have this chance as it is they who will be most affected by changes made. They know what works and what doesn't and this is their chance to give structured feedback about what is such a key public service.

"I'm looking forward to working with local residents on our health forums to improve Kingston's NHS."