The Health Services Consultative Committee (HSCC), which has been established for over 10 years and provides independent scrutiny and advice on the operations, performance and effectiveness of the Island’s Health Service, welcomes two new members.
Following approval from Tynwald last year under the NHS Act 2001, the membership of the HSCC was changed from six clinical and six lay members to nine lay members, all appointed by the Appointments Commission, which reinforces the Committee’s complete independence from the Department of Health.
Derek Legg in his role as Chairman is committed to building on the strong working relationships with the Department of Health. He, in welcoming the two newest members, said:
'As Chairman and along with the members of the HSCC, we welcome the appointment of Dr Malcolm Norris and Mrs Diane Kelsey, who bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that can only be beneficial in enhancing and improving the level of independent scrutiny and advice that the Committee provides to the Department of Health.'
Each member has responsibility and focus for building relationships with specific areas of the Health Service by attending meetings, reviewing documents, offering advice, ideas and information including highlighting any potential concerns.
Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK, said:
'The HSCC continues to maintain a valuable relationship with the Department, looking at the effectiveness of delivery across the full spectrum of healthcare services. Members have developed a sense of understanding of ‘their’ areas, in order to provide objective scrutiny of activities and performance. I stand alongside Derek Legg in welcoming the successful appointment of these new members, and look forward to their constructive input into the HSCC.'
Members do not become involved in matters of detail, for example in complaints or staff situations or in areas where lay members of other groups already provide a service, such as patient representatives of the Patient Safety and Quality Forum.
HSCC meetings take place at least every two months, where members can submit reports on their respective area of responsibility. Professional, clinicians and members of the Department can also be invited to attend to provide information and answer questions.
