A Message from the Chairman

As we face changes in our political landscape and an immense organisational reform members and staff strive to remain focused on the role and aim of the NHSSC in representing the interest of the public in health and social care issues.

The past year has seen much preparation for change in light of the structural reform within the context of the Review of Public Administration. I can only hope that such changes across the Health and Personal Social Services will result in a more effective and efficient health and social care service.

The next weeks and months will see many new and perhaps familiar faces appointed to the Health and Social Care Authority, the Local Commissioning Groups and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust. As we adjust to the changes it is my intention to continue to press ahead for early appointments to the Patient and Client Council and a smooth transition from the Health and Social Services Councils.

Due to the reforms no new public appointments were made to health and personal social services bodies affected so I thank those members whose term of office expires on 31 May 2007 for agreeing to continue until 31 March 2008. I also thank the other members and staff for their continued loyalty in the face of such organisational change and look forward to the establishment of a more powerful body in the form of the Patient and Client Council.

TOM CREIGHTON
CHAIRMAN