6. Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG)
As presently outlined, the SRG does not provide a vehicle for citizen's views to have an impact upon services through the new LHB Board, especially since it excludes professional health stakeholder interests. For example, GPs who are able to combine an intimate understanding of relevant local services and are well placed to act as the patients champion. In what sense can the SRG be called 'Stakeholder' when the main focus of all this provision is excluded?
Two alternative models were considered, with a third very interesting model being provided by Emrys Roberts.
With the first two models, a number of elements in each are not mutually exclusive.
* Both share the perspective that the proposed SRG model would be relatively weak, with limited impact upon the LHB Board.
* Where CHCs are not performing to an optimum standard, neither would they attract people of sufficient quality to really make a difference.
* A key element in both models is the extension of citizen engagement in the public health, health and social care services, which will be crucial in a period of increasing pressures on public expenditure.
* With both models it would be necessary to reach out to a much wider group of citizens than those mentioned in the consultation.
* The economic, social and political significance of CE in a growing ageing society.
* Both models would involve two thirds of NHS users who are older people - unmentioned in the consultation, yet producer interests, such as the police and fire service are included.
* Hilda Smith's proposed that each LHB should actively consider the concept of a 'Council of Elders', supporting professional education. This as an explicit method of valuing the wisdom of our elders.
* Active use of new "web 2.0" technologies drawing upon the expertise of Patient Opinion.
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