This helps to identify areas where a high number of complaints may indicate a particular problem with a service. The Health Council will ask the Trust or Lothian Health Board to look into these matters and provide an explanation. The Health Council makes regular visits to NHS premises. During these visits members talk to patients, relatives and staff to assess the services provided and note the conditions of the premises. It then becomes a public document.
Staff also work with many Lothian wide community organisations.
Such links enable the Health Council to be informed about health issues which are of concern to the public. The Health Council also holds community meetings to give members of the public an opportunity to raise concerns or make enquiries about local health services. Issues raised by the public at talks can alert the Health Council to concerns about health service provision. Consultation Lothian Health Board are required by law to consult the Lothian Health Council, as the patient's representative, before making any changes to the provisiions of health services in the area. The Health Council then has a duty to consult the public on the proposed changes.