COMMUNITY health councils are to be phased out by December ready for the introduction of patient health forums.Volunteers are now being sought in Ipswich and the surrounding area to serve as the first members of a national network of forums.

COMMUNITY health councils are to be phased out by December ready for the introduction of patient health forums.

Volunteers are now being sought in Ipswich and the surrounding area to serve as the first members of a national network of forums.

They will be given powers to make checks on the standard of health services and the give their views to influence all decision making about health in the NHS and elsewhere.

The forums are seen to be a force for change and members will be able to find out what people in their communities think about healthcare in their area.

There will be nearly 600 patient and public involvement forums across the country, supported by the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health.

Sharon Grant, chair of the commission said: "The arrival of the forums presents a unique opportunity to put the public at the centre of health, and to reform the whole culture of healthcare.

"We're standing by to receive large numbers of applications from all sections of the community who want to be forum members."

The Commission is also running a major advertising campaign "Make Time For Health" using posters on public transport, and health related outlets, such as GP surgeries and pharmacists and community facilities.

People interested in becoming a PPI Forum member are being invited to call 0845 120 7115 for an application pack, or visit www.maketimeforhealth.org .