People's Commission on Health services: Andrew Kerslake appointed as independent Chair
Thursday, 19 June 2014
Calderdale Council has appointed Professor Andrew Kerslake as the Independent Chair of the People's Commission on Health and Social Care.
The People's Commission will give Calderdale people the chance to say what health and social care services they need and will also collect and review evidence.
Local health services are currently being reviewed by Calderdale's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Calderdale Council's Leader, Cllr Tim Swift, said, "Andrew is the ideal candidate for the role of Independent Chair. He has a national reputation for his work on health and social care for older people and has the authority, knowledge and expertise which we need for the People's Commission to succeed."
Andrew Kerslake is an Associate Director of the Institute of Public Care and an Emeritus Professor at Oxford Brookes University.
Commenting on his appointment Professor Kerslake said, "I am delighted to have been appointed as the Independent Chair for Calderdale Council's People's Commission, which will give local people the opportunity to shape local services.
"Difficult decisions are being taken about the future of health and social care provision across the country. It is important that such decisions, even if painful, are rational and built upon agreement with the local community. Without this they will not stand the test of time."
Led by Professor Kerslake as the Independent Chair, the People's Commission will have an evidence gathering panel which will include representation from the Council's three main political parties, and Calderdale Healthwatch has been asked to join the Commission. The People's Commission will hold several meetings in different parts of Calderdale specifically to listen to the views of Calderdale residents.
The People's Commission is expected to make recommendations about the future of health and social care services in Calderdale to Full Council and the CCG in autumn 2014.
They would like to hear from residents about the key issues which they want the People's Commission to debate. If you would like your views to be considered email them at peoplescommission@calderdale.gov.uk
People's Commission on Health services
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Calderdale Council is launching a People's Commission to make sure that people in Calderdale have the chance to give their views about how health and social care services should be provided in the future.
Local health services are currently being reviewed by Calderdale's Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
The People's Commission will give the public an opportunity to debate what services are needed and will also collect and review evidence.
Calderdale Council's Leader, Cllr Tim Swift, said, "The Commission will be an exciting mix of public participation and an evidence gathering panel with an independent Chair. This will then make recommendations about future health and social care services in Calderdale, based on the views and evidence which have been given.
"We want the People's Commission to be driven by people's experience and views. This is a great opportunity for people to have their say on how our health and social care services are provided in the coming years."
Calderdale Council's Chief Executive, Merran McRae said, "Once the Commission members have been appointed we will make sure that there are lots of ways that people can tell us what they think - whether that's by attending public meetings, sending us information, emailing us or contacting us via Twitter."
Led by an independent chair, the People's Commission will include two Councillors from each of the three main political parties and representation from Calderdale Healthwatch.
We would like to hear from residents about the key issues which they want the People's Commission to debate. If you would like your views to be considered email us at: peoplescommission@calderdale.gov.uk.
The People's Commission is expected to report its recommendations to Full Council and the CCG in autumn 2014.
See also
HebWeb News: Calderdale A&E Crisis - Feb-May 2014
Petition lauched by Josh Fenton-Glynn
Hands off Calderdale A&E - e-petition
HebWeb Forum - Closure of A and E at Halifax
HebWeb News: Josh Fenton-Glynn talks with Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham about A&E concerns (Nov 2013)
HebWeb News: Calderdale Liberal Democrats will fight to protect local A&E provision (Nov 2013)
HebWeb News: Labour to raise A&E closure in Council
See our feature on MP Craig Whittaker for his reaction to the proposed closure.
YouTube video from 38 Degrees: "You won't believe what they're planning for your hospital."
38 Degrees Petition against Hospital Closures
Save our A&E Public Meeting
Saturday 29 March 2014, 12.30pm at the Halifax Leisure Centre, North Bridge HX3 6TE