Health Minister Vaughan Gething has today announced Mr John Pearce as the new Chair to the Board of Community Health Councils (CHCs) in Wales.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
There are seven CHCs in Wales. They are independent bodies that represent the interests of people in the health service in their area.
CHCs act as the public voice in letting managers of health services know what people want and how things can be improved.
The Board of CHCs represents the voice of patients and the public at a national level. It sets out the national standards CHCs must meet, provides advice, guidance and support and is also responsible for monitoring and managing their performance.
This is an exciting yet challenging time for the Board and the current CHC model during its transition to the new Citizen Voice body. The role of the Chair provides an all Wales strategic leadership opportunity which will require the Chair to lead the Board of CHCs and the wider CHC movement through the period of transition.
Mr Pearce has a strong background in public services in particular local government, as a Director of Education and later as a Corporate Director.
He was a member of Aneurin Bevan Community Health Council from 2010 to 2018, serving the last three years as Chair. During this time he was engaged within the health sector on a number of different committees, working groups and research projects.
Mr Pearce said
“Community Health Councils have fulfilled a vital role for patients and communities to ensure their individual and collective voices are heard and make a difference.
“It is crucial that Wales continues to have an independent organisation that fulfils such a role so that the voice of patients and communities are central to ensuring health services meet the current and future expectations of the Nation. I am looking forward to leading CHCs through a challenging period of transition to the setting up of the new Citizen Voice body and with it, the closer integration of health and social care.”
Vaughan Gething said:
“I congratulate John on his appointment, I’m sure he’ll make a significant contribution to Community Health Councils and I wish him every success in his new role.”