A DECISION by Parliament to abolish community health councils has been greeted with sadness by the chairman of Medway and Swale's CHC.

Margaret Ratcliffe said: "I am greatly saddened that after a two-year fight, the Government has finally succeeded in abolishing community health councils.

"I believe this was not what the people of Medway and Swale wanted and that many saw the CHC as an effective, relatively low-cost, non-bureacratic organisation."

The NHS Reform and Health Care Bill to replace them with new bodies was passed on June 13, although the CHCs, which act as health watchdogs for the public, will run in tandem with the new scheme until CHCs are abolished in April 2003.

Mrs Ratcliffe added: "I am greatly relieved that at least the uncertainty over the future has now been lifted from our members and staff."

The new Act will establish Patients' Forums in each NHS Trust. Patients Forums in Primary Care Trusts will have an extended role in representing the wider community.

Overview and scrutiny committees established by Kent County Council and Medway Council will take over responsiblity for scrutinising the NHS from CHCs early next year.

A duty will be put on NHS bodies to consult with these committees about any significant changes in the service.