There has been one change in Council membership this year – I am delighted to welcome Mr Jim McKeever who lives in Derry and who joined us in October 2007. I am pleased to say that all members whose term of office was due to expire have accepted an extension until the dissolution of the Council in March 2009. I wish to express my gratitude to all the members and staff who have continued to work to deliver a comprehensive work programme throughout a period of change and uncertainty for everyone.

Following a period of consultation on the proposals for Health and Social Care Reform, the Minister announced that he was proceeding with the broad organisational framework that had been proposed. Therefore from 1 April 2009 four new Health and Social Care bodies will be established:

The Patient Client Council

The Regional Health and Social Care Board

The Regional Agency for Public Health and Social Well-being

The Regional Support Services Organisation

The majority of responses received during the consultation period in relation to the Patient Client Council were in favour of establishing a single, independent regional body, and having a strong local presence, with five committees, operating within the same geographical areas as the five integrated Trusts.

As we move towards the dissolution of the WHSS Council in its present form and the establishment of the new Patient Client Council I want to sincerely thank all the current and past members for their hard work and dedication to the Council. I look forward to hearing the details of the location and structures of the new organisation. I hope that it will build on the very valuable work undertaken throughout the years by members and staff of the Council and that it will, in the Minister’s words ‘have a strong local focus and at the same time give patients, clients and carer representatives a powerful regional voice’.

Mr Paddy McGowan

Chairman