The Council always seeks to respond to people’s concerns on health and social services as they arise. However the Council also sets out an annual programme of work which looks at key themes affecting not only the Eastern area but also the whole of Northern Ireland.
The work programme for the year 2006/2007 looked at a number of important themes, including:
Mental health care in the Eastern area and specifically the response to suicide and self harm in the North and West Belfast area
Patient and public involvement in health and social care in Northern Ireland
Awareness amongst people in the North Down and Ards area of the services available to them
Advocacy services available to people in care homes
In exploring these issues the Council met with patients, carers, community and voluntary groups as well as the Department of Health and Social Services, the Eastern Health and Social Services Board, hospitals, doctors and other health professionals.
Council Meetings
The Council holds a public meeting each month where members can comment on issues and raise local concerns. Council members are local people who give their time freely, with no remuneration, for the benefit of the entire community. During this year the Council held 11 monthly meetings. The Members’ record of attendance at Council meetings is summarised below:
