The government has been truly determined to get rid of an effective voice for patients

Simon Williams Patients' Association

Under Wakefield MP David Hinchliffe's plan, the councils would be replaced by new patients' councils to ensure those treated by the NHS have an independent voice.

The government argues its plan of replacing CHCs with patient forums and patient councils would give the public a stronger voice in NHS decision making.

In contrast, opponents say the move is an attempt to "muzzle" the watchdogs.

Growing support

Debate on the bill introducing the plans continues in the Commons on Tuesday.

A previous government bill was dropped when the general election was called last year but the plans were reintroduced in November.

Mr Hinchliffe's compromise solution has already received support from the Liberal Democrats, as well as Richard Taylor, the Independent MP elected on a "save Kidderminster Hospital" ticket.

It may also attract support from the Conservatives and some Labour MPs.

David Hinchliffe says patients need a voice locally

Senior Labour MP Mr Hinchliffe says he has discussed it with Health Minister Hazel Blears and is hopeful of a positive response.

His proposed patients' councils would supplement the government's new forums in a move Mr Hinchliffe believes would ensure all healthcare was kept under scrutiny.

"Patients who have complaints that can't be resolved by their trust could go to the patients' council and receive support from an independent advocate," said Mr Hinchliffe.

The Patients' Association has welcomed the move, which it says is an opportunity to give patients a powerful say in how their local health service is run.

Simon Williams, the association's policy director, said: "The government has been truly determined to get rid of an effective voice for patients in the form of community health councils.

"It failed in its previous attempts in the fact of opposition from backbenchers and in the Lords."

'Tragic' loss of expertise

Mr Williams said it would be "tragic" if the knowledge and expertise that exposed scandals such as the Alder Hey organ debacle was lost.

Lib Dem health spokesman Evan Harris said ministers had to support the compromise proposal if they were serious about empowering patients.

"If the government continues trying to undermine the potential of a strong and effective local voice for patients, they will be shown up for the control freaks they are."