Extension to the Terms of Two Non-Executive Members to the Patient and Client Council

Health Minister Robin Swann has announced extensions to the terms of two Non-Executive Members of the Patient & Client Council (PCC).

Mr William Halliday’s term as a Non-Executive Lay Member has been extended from 9 April 2022 to a date not later than 8 October 2022; and Mrs Joan McEwan’s term as a Non-Executive Voluntary and Community Member has been extended from 2 April 2022 to a date not later than 1 October 2022.

Both appointments carry a time commitment of 2 days per month and attract an annual remuneration of £3,868.

The PCC was created on 1 April 2009 as part of the reform of Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland.  The PCC’s role with respect to health and social care services is to represent the interests of the public; promote the involvement of the public; assist people making or intending to make a complaint through advocacy; promote the advice and information by HSC bodies to the public about the design, commissioning and delivery of services; and to undertake research into the best methods and practices for consulting and engaging the public.

The PCC Board is made up of a Non-Executive Chair and 16 Non-Executive Members. .

These appointment are made in accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments for Northern Ireland.

Notes to editors: 

1. Mr William Halliday has had an extensive career in Health and Social Care management, having a particular interest in mental health and disability matters. Prior to his retirement he was the Chief Executive of MindWise and has been very active in raising awareness of mental health issues .He chaired the Human Rights and Equality strand of the Bamford Review on mental health and learning disability.  Mr Halliday has previous board room experience both in Northern Ireland and England.  He is currently a Non-Executive Member of the Board of the Belfast City Mission and an Independent Assessor with the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland.  Mr Halliday was awarded an OBE in the 2014 New Year’s honours list for services to people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

2. Mrs Joan McEwan currently works with Marie Curie in Northern Ireland as Associate Director of Policy and Public Affairs.  She has experience in the field of health and social care, especially within the area of end of life care, and of working in partnership with the public and third sectors to meet the needs of patients. Mrs McEwan is a member of the Lisburn Integrated Care Partnership Committee.  Her background in banking has provided her with extensive financial management skills in managing budgets, investment programmes as well as governance and risk management. Mrs McEwan is also a Non-Executive member of the Department of Education Board, Chair of its Audit and Risk Assurance Committee and a Board member of Engage with Age, a charity that aims to combat social isolation and loneliness among older people.
3. Appointments to the PCC are made with the approval of the Health Minister.  .
4. All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, the Commissioner for Public Appointments, Northern Ireland requires the political activity of appointees within the last 5 years to be published.  Both members declared that they have not engaged in any political activity in the last five years.
5. Both appointees have advised that they do not currently hold any other Ministerial Public Appointments
6. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by e-mail               pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk   Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt

The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The Duty Press Officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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