Appointment of two non-executive directors (Local Government Representative Members to the Patient and Client Council

Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey today announced the appointment of two non-executive directors (Local Government Representative Members) to the Patient and Client Council (PCC). They are Councillors Oliver Molloy and Martin Reilly.

Until 1 April 2009, the consumer voice in relation to health and personal social services was provided through four Health and Social Services Councils. These four Councils were replaced by a single health and social care user’s body - The Patient and Client Council. The functions of the Patient and Client Council are to: represent the interests of the public by engaging with the public to obtain their views on services and engaging with Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations to ensure that the needs and expectations of the public are addressed in the planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care; to promote the involvement of patients, clients, carers and the public in the design, planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care; to provide assistance to individuals making or intending to make a complaint relating to health and social care; and to promote the provision of advice and information to the public by the HSC about the design, commissioning and delivery of health and social care services.

The appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland and are for the period 2 August 2010 to 1 August 2014.

The board of the PCC is made up of sixteen non-executive directors and a non-executive Chair. The non-executive directors include a Trade Union Representative Member, five Local Government Representative Members, five Voluntary and Community Members and five Lay Members.

Notes to editors:

1. Non-executive directors of the Patient and Client Council receive annual remuneration of £3,530 for a time commitment of two days per month.

2. The Appointments were made with the approval of the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety. There are no specific qualifications for appointment.

3. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees to be published (if any declared). Cllr Oliver Molloy and Cllr Martin Reilly declared they had engaged in political activity in the last five years.

4. APPOINTMENTS

Cllr Oliver Molloy lives in Pomeroy, Dungannon. He is an elected representative and member of Cookstown District Council. His most recent employment was as Communications Officer with the Northern Health and Social Care Trust from October 2009 to 31 December 2009. Previously he worked as Development Manager with Cancer Choices from September 2006 to September 2009 and as Customer Services Officer with Heat Ltd from March 2005 to June 2006. Prior to this, he was Constituency Office Manager for Martin McGuiness MP, MLA and was formerly a member of the former NI Fire Authority. Cllr Molloy brings an extensive range of knowledge and skills to the post. Having advocated on behalf of members of the public for over ten years through his work as a Councillor and his involvement with various local community organisations, he understands the needs of the public accessing health care and the challenges they can encounter. He holds no other public appointment and has engaged in political activity for Sinn Féin (SF) in the last five years.

Cllr Martin Reilly BA Hons lives in Derry. Cllr Reilly is an elected representative and member of Derry District Council. Since August 2001 he has been employed as an Assembly Researcher for Mark Durkan MP MLA. He currently serves on the Derry District Policing Partnership and on the board of the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau. His keen interest in advocacy roles and entitlement work over many years will greatly assist his role on the PCC to ensure that patients and their relatives have their concerns raised and heard. Cllr Reilly holds no other public appointment and has engaged in political activity for the Social Democratic Labour Party (SDLP) in the last five years.

5. Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0505. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.