COMMUNITY Health Councils (CHCs), the local health watchdogs that were due to be abolished on September 1, have been given a three-month reprieve.

But members have reacted angrily to the Government's "shabby" handling of the situation. Doubts have also been raised that the new Patients' Forums will be ready in time to take over the work of CHCs, despite the abolition date being put back to December 1.

About 700 CHC staff nationally were told to look for new jobs and many offices were said to be winding down in preparation for the planned September closure.

Andy Dewsnip, chairman of Harrogate and District CHC, said: "Despite the unbelievable incompetence of the Government and its shabby treatment of loyal staff and volunteer members, we feel that we have an overriding duty to the community, patients, carers and the local NHS to carry on normally, right up until our abolition.

"This whole saga has shown central government at its very worst, combining unnecessary meddling, pointless organisational change and petty spite."

Helen Mackman, chief officer of York CHC, said members were delighted to have more time to continue their work - but they were also angry about the way the transition has been handled. She said: "We have been assured that the new structures will be in place the day after we are abolished, but I have very grave doubts as to whether that will be the case."

Patients' Forums, independent statutory bodies run by volunteers within each health trust, will be established by the Commission For Patient And Public Involvement In Health with the aim of putting patients at the heart of the NHS.

Critics have questioned their independence.

But in a letter to CHCs, Health Minister David Lammy MP wrote: "I remain convinced that the new arrangements mean improvements for patients and the public and that we are on track at this time to deliver them as planned."

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, June 12, 2003