Southend Council has added its voice to a growing number of local authorities striving to prevent important Health bodies being abolished.

The Government has announced plans to scrap Community Health Councils, which provide independent advice, support and advocacy to patients, handle complaints and monitor health services.

Local authorities would be expected to take over some of their roles.

Verina Wilson, executive councillor for health and social care, told the cabinet: "It is very important we add our voice to the growing number of other voices about the abolition of CHCs. We need to ask our MPs to lobby on our behalf.

"CHCs have a very valuable job in their scrutiny role but they also do a lot of training which is very important."

The axing of CHCs is included in the Government's new Health and Social Care Bill. It is planned to replace them with Patient Advocacy and Liaison Services (PALS), which will carry out similar jobs.

Southend Council now plans to write to the Government with its views and alternative suggestions for the way forward.

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