The Management Committee of the Forest of Dean Health Forum was most concerned to read recent comments in your letters column regarding its chair, Jan Baynham, and has asked me to correct some apparent misconceptions.
Our constitution clearly states that the Health Forum exists 'to receive the comments of the public, and assist in identifying the health related social needs of the Forest of Dean District.'
"To seek the view of the professional staff working in the area concerning local health and social service provision."
"To identify areas for discussion with other organisations, both statutory and voluntary, concerning the joint provision of services."
"To identify needs for and where appropriate, encourage and support the establishment of self help groups in the locality."
It also states that "The Forest of Dean Health Forum will consist of any members of the community who have an interest in health matters and in particular at least one representative from any group, or organisation in the area."
With such a potential diversity of interests and opinions you will no doubt agree that it is most important that our chair does not side with any single shade or colour of opinion or attitude and indeed makes every effort to ensure that every potential position has the opportunity to be expressed.
The committee has asked me to state that it is in full accord with the recent statements attributed to its chair, as our public representative, and that in the interest of open debate would expect her to refrain from nailing any particular colours to any particular mast without full consultation with the Health Forum members.
I would like to take this opportunity to invite any member of the public or health or social care professional to attend any or all of our regular monthly meetings. They are held on the first Tuesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm at the Bream Community Centre.
On March 3 we will be delighted to welcome Rob Rees "The Cotswold Chef", who is also a non-executive director of Gloucestershire PCT and will talk about food and health.
If anybody is unable to attend I would be more than happy to enter them on our email list to receive minutes of the meetings and other appropriate information. – Frank Baynham, secretary.