PRIME Minister David Cameron has given his backing for a new health “consumer champion” in Oxfordshire.

A total of 14 voluntary and community groups have come together to form Oxfordshire Community Benefit Society (OCBS).

The organisation wants to bid for the contract to establish a local healthwatch body in the county.

The Government wants every local authority in England to establish a local healthwatch, to replace existing Local Involvement Networks, by April next year.

The scheme was launched on October 26, and although Mr Cameron could not attend, he sent a message of support, calling it “the Big Society in action”.

Oxfordshire Community Benefit Society has been formed as a co-operative with an ‘open door’ policy and equal say for every member. For more information write to Oxfordshire Community Benefit Society, Jericho Farm, Wootton, Witney, OX29 4SZ.