A REDDITCH-based health watchdog which will be abolished in 2002 is campaigning to ensure the patient's voice will still be heard.

The independent Redditch and Bromsgrove Community Health Council is to be replaced by the Patient Advocacy Liaison Service (PALS).

But the CHC is concerned PALS will not be totally independent if it comes under the umbrella of a trust and answerable to a chief executive.

CHC deputy chief officer Moira Morris said: "In one respect, change is threatening but in another it is exciting and challenging and we want to ensure the CHCs are involved in all the plans to ensure the patient comes first."

The CHC is consulted on health service changes and offers advice to patients, including dealing with complaints.

But under the new structure, any consultation over changes will go directly to Redditch Council.

Mrs Morris said there were many townsfolk who would be keen to be involved in the new liaison service.

She said: "We must make sure the patients come above all else and above any organisational constraints.

''And there could be problems relating to openness."

She added: "The abolition of the CHC is our biggest concern and members want to be involved in all the proposed changes.

''We need to make sure the CHC replacement remains independent.''