A new initiative aiming to provide Brentwood patients with better advice and support has been launched by the area's patient watchdog through a countywide partnership.
Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock Community Health Council (CHC) has joined with other Essex branches to pilot an Independent Complaints Advocacy Service.
The Department of Health has provided funding for six months to support the fledgling service which is designed to help anyone who has had problems in their healthcare.
Deputy Chief Officer at the CHC, Pauline Brown, said: "For residents of Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock who have experienced difficulties with any aspect of healthcare, this pilot will ensure access to advice and independent representation.
"Our CHC has always provided a complaint advocacy service to local people. However, there have never been the resources to ensure that the service has a high profile within local communities."
Individual CHC offices will continue to offer support to patients, but from this month there will be a single dedicated telephone service based at Mid Essex CHC in Chelmsford.
The telephone line will provide information about how to complain and will also put individuals in touch with their local branch if necessary.
Essex CHCs will be working together to ensure their services are uniform and of a high quality. They will also offer cover to each other to make sure people can access advice as quickly as possible.
Chairman of the Essex Group of CHCs, Bill Allen, welcomed the project. He said: "We are delighted to have received this funding to pilot this much needed service in Essex.
"Given that CHCs are to be abolished next year, it is important for us to use our expertise to ensure that future services are properly resourced and operate to the highest standards."
To access the complaints and advocacy service call 0845 1303836 between 9am and 5pm.
For more details about the work of Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock CHC call 01268 284602.
Published Friday October 11, 2002
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