In need of your help....... (From Barry And District News)

In need of your help.......

THE VOICE of people influencing patient care in the Vale is in danger of going unheard due to a shortage of volunteers.

The Community Health Council (CHC) needs new blood to make sure the people who use health services in Wales have their views fully represented.

Volunteers act as the eyes and ears of patients, listening to their concerns and working with the health service to improve patient care.

Ron Walton has a background in social services and joined the CHC eight years ago.

He said: "Hospital staff do a wonderful job but are often too busy to see things from a patient's perspective. Listening to patients, I can make recommendations to improve quality of service and make sure changes are brought in.

"If I notice problems with cleanliness, staffing, catering and environmental issues, these are raised with the Trust, which details how it proposes to overcome each particular problem."

The scope of the Community Health Council member is wide ranging and Ron has been involved in many issues impacting on patient care. Ambulances offer a vital service and Ron has taken a keen interest in improving response times and the replacement of a very old and unsuitable ambulance station in Barry.

However, there is a shortage of volunteers in the Vale to help continue this vital service.

Ron added: "The Community Health Council is an independent body which plays a crucial role in letting managers of health services know what people want and how things can be improved. We rely on volunteers and are looking for new members, who'll be given the necessary training. If you are good at listening to others and exchanging views and are willing to volunteer three to five days per month, you could make a difference to healthcare in the Vale."

If you have a genuine interest in the health service then you can help by joining the team at The Vale of Glamorgan Community Health Council. To find out more call 029 20823177 or visit www.wales.gov.uk/chc