The Patient and Client Council (PCC) was first established in 2009 as part of the Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009[1] promotes patients' interests to the Health and Social Care.[2]
The council consists of 5 members from district councils, 5 members from voluntary organisations with an interest in health and social care, and 1 member from a trade union.[3]
In October 2020, the PCC submitted evidence to the Health Committee of the Assembly regarding the impact of COVID-19 on care homes - heavily criticising the visitation arrangements of care homes.[4]
In December 2020, the PCC released a report on the impact of shielding in Northern Ireland, suggesting improvements in accessibility for people shielding.[5]In January 2021, the PCC released a report on health literacy, calling for greater patient involvement in making decisions.[6]
In May 2022, the PCC released a report on grief and bereavement describing public concerns about the stigma associated with death and the specific stigmas associated with suicide.[7]
In February 2023, the PCC released a report on the possible closure of Muckamore Abbey Hospital describing concerns about replacement services.[8]
In August 2023, the PCC was reprimanded by the Information Commissioner's Office over a data breach.[9]
With respect to health and social care services, the PCC: represents the interests of the public; promotes the involvement of the public; assists people making or intending to make a complaint; promotes the provision by HSC bodies of advice and information to the public about the design, commissioning and delivery of services; undertakes research into the best methods and practices for consulting and engaging the public.
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The Information Commissioner's Office has reprimanded two Northern Ireland organisations for data security breaches.
The Information Commissioner's Office has reprimanded two Northern Ireland organisations for data security breaches.