| Description | ACHCEW was the statutory body representing consumers of health services at a national level.
The Association of Community Health Councils for England and Wales (ACHCEW) was set up in 1977 under provisions in the National Health Service (Reorganisation) Act to provide a forum for member Community Health Councils (CHCs), to provide information and advisory services to CHCs and to represent the user of health services at a national level. CHCs were not obliged to be members of ACHCEW but most were.
ACHCEW's constitution stated that its purpose was:
(a) To provide a forum for the exchange of views and for the discussion of matters of common concern to member Councils, and when appropriate to express views on National Health Service matters to Ministers, Government Departments or other bodies, and to publicise such views.
(b) To provide information and advisory services reasonably required by Community Health Councils to assist them in the performance of their functions.
(c) To promote the role, work and activities of Community Health Councils to Ministers, Government Departments and other bodies and to the public at large.
(d) To perform such other functions as may be necessary or desirable in the interest of Community Health Councils.
The policy of the Association was determined by an Annual General Meeting of all member CHCs. Between AGMs the business of the Association was conducted by a Standing Committee which has 3 representatives from each of the English Regions and three from Wales and four honorary officers (Chair, two Vice-Chairs and Treasurer). The Standing Committee meets six times each year.
Although one of ACHCEW's main tasks was to channel the views of CHCs to the Secretary of State for Health, CHCs frequently make direct representations to the Department of Health. This autonomy of CHCs and the accountability of ACHCEW were the two most important features of the Association's relationship with its membership. |