COMMUNITY Health Councils (CHCs) in Wales – which act as patients’ watchdogs – could be replaced with an independent “citizens voice body” to cover health and social care issues.

The proposal is among several aimed at improving quality and governance of health and social care services in Wales, contained in a new White Paper.

Called Services Fit for the Future: Quality and Governance in Health and Care in Wales, the White Paper also aims to support and encourage more integrated ways of working and better decision-making.

Its overarching intention is to put the interests of people at the heart of health and social care service planning and delivery.

If adopted, complaints involving health and social care aspects will have to be jointly investigated by the bodies responsible for providing them.

The introduction a Duty of Quality for the Population of Wales will require health boards to work together to meet the needs of the population in planning and delivering quality services.

A culture of openness will be promoted in the health and social care system through a new Duty of Candour.

The White Paper proposes to strengthen the way the public is represented across health and social care.

What it calls a “citizens voice body” will advise on proposals for substantial service change, for which independent clinical advice will be also be sought.

Leadership of health boards will be strengthened to promote stronger governance, and the legal framework for the inspection and regulation of health services will be improved.

“The well-respected Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, in its report last year, commented favourably on our systems in Wales but also challenged us to do more to fulfil our potential of providing excellent person-centred care to all our citizens,” said health secretary Vaughan Gething.

“The proposals we are publishing today will ensure our health and social care services are fit for the future.

Consultation on the White Paper runs until September 29.