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Health chiefs discuss NHS plans
MEMBERS of an organisation set up to improve patient and public involvement in healthcare came together for a meeting to discuss the planned government changes for the NHS.
The Sheffield LINk - Local Involvement Network - called the meeting to offer people the chance to give their views on the Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS white paper.
The main element will see the abolition of South Yorkshire's four primary care trusts.
Groups of GPs will instead take over the 'commissioning' of treatment, which carries an annual budget of 80 billion.
Meanwhile, the public health responsibilities of PCTs - like campaigns to crack down on binge drinking and obesity - will be handed to councils.
The meeting heard from Helen Stevens, assistant director of communication and engagement at NHS Sheffield, who outlined the proposals as they currently stand.
Visitors welcomed the aims of improving patients care and choice - but expressed concern for what the change could really mean for patients.
There was also unanimous concern about the potential for GPs to use private companies to commission healthcare services - resulting in taxpayers' money going to private firms.
The meeting also discussed proposals to change LINks organisations into HealthWatch bodies.
While continuing to help local people influence and scrutinise health and social care, the new organisations would also include an advice and complaints advocacy service.
Mike Smith, chairman of Sheffield LINk, said: "We wanted to give people a chance to find out more and to have their say and, while we could have carried on for hours longer, I feel we achieved that."
Helen added: "I am delighted to have been part of what are really important conversations taking place among patients, carers and the public as we move forward with the proposals.
"The event demonstrated the importance we must continue to place on patient and public involvement in shaping health and healthcare services."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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