The fight to save the patients' watchdog body which covers the Brentwood, Billericay and Wickford area is set to be taken all the way to Westminster.

The Government has announced plans to abolish all Community Health Councils (CHCs) as part of its wide ranging reforms of the NHS.

But now, Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock CHC has written to the area's MPs asking for a meeting at Westminster to discuss the controversial plans.

This follows a meeting to discuss tactics.

It is now awaiting a date for a meeting so members can state their case and seek their support.

The CHC carries out a number of roles.

These include helping people to make a complaint if they have a grievance against the NHS, visiting hospitals and clinics, conducting surveys and offering advice on medical services.

Myrna Liles, chief officer of the Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock CHC, said: "We are an independent and impartial body and the sketchy proposals for schemes to replace us appear to be neither impartial or independent.

"Although we are an independent body we do nurture good relationships with local trusts, the voluntary sector and other health bodies in order to resolve any perceived problems as quickly as possible."

She added: "We have been encouraged by public support since the announcement of the planned abolition.

"We have received support from people that we have helped in the past, as well as others who are aware of our function and are concerned that this will be lost to local people.

"We would be pleased to hear of other members of the public who would like to support our campaign against abolition."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.