Former Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Sir Bill Taylor has appealed to borough residents to take part in the government’s consultation on the future of the NHS.
The veteran Labour politician has already written to Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting to tell him any reforms must be clinician-led with the public fully engaged in the process.
Sir Bill has also suggested the cabinet minister look at reviving the NHS Care Trust Plus model of management piloted in Blackburn with Darwen in 2009 which he chaired.
This organisation brought together NHS professionals, local elected members and laypeople selected from the community.
In October Mr Streeting launched a ‘Change NHS: help build a health service fit for the future’ national conversation to develop the government’s proposed 10-Year Health Plan.
Andy MacNae MP has also urged people to take part He has asked the public and health and care staff in England to share their views, experiences and ideas at the Change NHS online portal.
Sir Bill said: “Lots of people have lots of experiences and certainly opinions on how the NHS could be better run, so by giving them this opportunity there is a forum for people to share and promote the ideas that they have.
“The NHS needs to get back on track, putting the patient first with clinicians of all disciplines, local democracy, and the voluntary sector all putting their collective shoulders to the wheel!
“Funding, of course, is an issue. But it’s not just about money! Engagement and accountability are crucial to this great British institution.”
Meanwhile, Rossendale and Darwen MP Andy MacNae is holding consultations for the future of the NHS next month.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting They will be on Saturday, February 1, at the Horse and Bamboo in Bacup Road, Waterfoot, from 11am to 1pm and on Saturday, February 8, at Darwen Valley Community Centre in Sudellside Street.
In his letter to Mr Streeting, Sir Bill says: “The NHS belongs to the people.
“Our NHS was first established in 1948; the envy of the world – free at the point of use.
“From its creation, but not really conclusively resolved, how the NHS is managed, governed and held accountable is crucial.
“The effective involvement of practising clinicians and other highly committed and skilled professional staff is crucial.
“In my opinion and experience, it is best to have one management body, inclusive with members of the public enabled to attend and participate.
“What is created must be all-embracing, accessible and accountable.
“The Care Trust Plus concept was simple: NHS professionals, local elected members, and three or four ‘lay’ people.
“It was a great and effective blend of professionals, local politicians and local key people.
“We need people of vision, commitment, courage and stamina.
“These things are best clinician-led, with strong visible public democratic accountability, and with public engagement embracing the third sector.”
Mr MacNae said: “It is vital that we hear from people about their experiences with the NHS, and their thoughts on how it can be improved.
“The people who work in the NHS and the people who make use of its services are the ones who know what is working and what needs to be changed.
“My team is running consultations across the constituency to ensure that residents’ voices are heard.”