In a challenging year I am pleased to report that the Eastern Health and Social Services Council has continued to remain focused on providing a voice for individuals and communities in our area. In particular I would like to highlight the contribution of our Council members to the year's work. No Council member is paid. Each of our members has given their time freely to not only attend the monthly Council meetings but also to attend Trust Board meetings, conferences where our input has been requested and visits to health care facilities. The work they have undertaken has added real value to the debate on health and social services and I look forward to that contribution continung until the end of the Council's life in April 2008.

Patricia McMillan