National Voices welcomes the reforms outlined in the Queen’s Speech but argues that key issues remain to be resolved

National Voices, the organisation representing users of health and social care in England established by and for the national voluntary organisations, has welcomed the reform package set out in the Queen’s Speech today, although it has made clear that important practical issues will need to be worked through.

National Voices – new organisation off to a flying start

The recently formed National Voices – a national organisation that represents users of health and social care organisations in the voluntary sector – today (Thursday 16 October 2008), reinforced its position as the most potentially powerful, national campaigning alliance in health and social care, following the decision of the Long-term Conditions Alliance (LTCA) to merge with the organisation.  The decision, taken at an LTCA extraordinary general meeting, means that more than 100 additional organisations will join National Voices in its work to ensure that politicians, professionals and regulators listen to service users and their views on a range of issues from NHS Constitution, reform of social care and top-up payments.

As part of the process of developing engagement with the three main political parties National Voices was represented at the three party conferences by Co-Chair, Jeremy Hughes, and LTCA Chief Executive, David Pink.

The new umbrella organisation National Voices is set to change the way that health and social care policy is made by ensuring that the voices of patients, carers and service users are heard at the heart of government. Today marks the start of the unique initiative with a first conference attended by voluntary organisations from all over England. Key figures from the Department of Health will have to account for their policies and commit to acting on feedback received from the 150 delegates.