A health watchdog given a last-minute reprieve has vowed to continue to protect patients' interests.
The Mid Downs Community Health Council was due to dissolve next April along with hundreds of other CHCs in England as part of the Health and Social Care Bill.
But a last-minute decision to scrap the clause relating to the abolition of CHCs means it will continue for at least another year.
CHC chairman Bryan Jones said: "CHCs are independent watchdogs representing patients' interests.
"They provide an effective and accessible service and there has certainly been no enthusiasm for abolition locally."
CHCs actively monitor the provision and quality of local health services.
They are involved and consulted when new services or policies are being considered and have direct access to senior managers in local hospital trusts and health authorities.
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