FOR the past 26 years, Warrington has been well served by an active Community Health Council.

We have kept a watchful eye on health provision and tried very hard to ensure that the people of Warrington are getting the level of service they expect.

A mutual respect has developed between the health council and the hospital trusts. Complaints about parking, food and waiting times have all been made and all have been acted upon quickly, where possible!

We are very active in visiting all aspects of health services and critical reports are made. A response is always forthcoming from the trust involved.

All this will be lost if the CHCs are abolished next March, as proposed by the Government. Change needn't mean throwing the baby out with the bath water!

We are fighting to stop this. Lord Carlisle and Lord Hoyle, ex Warrington MPs, have expressed their concern and hopefully will vote in the House of Lords for an amendment to the Health Bill. This would retain community health councils as part of the New Health Plan.

For the sake of the people of Warrington, and the CHC's excellent staff and members, let us hope that the Bill is amended and the Government allows the excellent service of community health councils to continue within the changing health service.

MIKE HAWORTH

Chairman of Warrington CHC