Segment 1 In an animated sequence, a dinner party is seen. The guests leave but one crashes their car into a lamp post. An ambulance is called and they are taken to hospital. A narrator says, 'Thank heavens for the NHS'. He asks how many people are treated by the NHS who have made themselves ill and says that most people are very fortunate. Images of a man with a neck tumour and a man with one eye are shown. The narrator says that many other services as well as hospitals are available on the NHS, including family doctors and midwives. A doctor's surgery is seen. A list of the many types of NHS workers is read out as they are seen in an animation. The narrator says that the organisation of the NHS is like a maze. In an animated sequence, a man walks past a series of green doors with different NHS department names written on them. He stops at a door that says, 'C.H.C. Please come in'. People on the street are interviewed about what they think the CHC is; most are not sure. The cartoon man enters the green door. Time start: 00:00:00:00 Time end: 00:04:49:19 Length: 00:04:49:19
Segment 2 A man explains what the CHC is; a consumer advisory body established by the government to protect people's interests in regard to treatment on the NHS. A woman is seen at the dentist's. In reception, she is told that her treatment cost £20; she is surprised at the expense and argues with the receptionist. The narrator explains that dental patients must state that they want NHS treatment before seeing the dentist otherwise they will be charged the private cost. The CHC are trying to change this to make it fairer to patients. Another example of the CHC's work is seen; a woman took a drug for a heart condition that later caused many grave side-effects. The CHC helped her and other patients on the same drug apply for compensation and tried to establish better guidelines so drugs are tested thoroughly before entering the market. Time start: 00:04:49:19 Time end: 00:10:23:00 Length: 00:05:33:06
Segment 3 Another case that the CHC may be able to help with is seen; an elderly woman is referred to a consultant by her GP. He tells her it will take a couple of weeks; however, her daughter telephones the hospital and they say it will take 9 months. The daughter is angry but the mother says that she must wait her turn, even though her condition is worsening. The CHC narrator says that sometimes people can 'jump the queue' for good reason. The structure of the CHC is explained and how it interacts with the Area Health Authority. Time start: 00:10:23:00 Time end: 00:15:52:18 Length: 00:05:19:18
Segment 4 A CHC meeting is seen. Then the narrator gives some examples of CHC work around Wales; mostly campaigning for hospitals to stay open. Mrs Roberts, a Cardiff CHC member, talks about her work. She is visiting Cardiff University Hospital to see if their patient customer service can be improved. She explains how to contact your local CHC. The narrator reviews all the points made in the film, and the list of CHCs are seen in the telephone directory. End credits. Time start: 00:15:52:18 Time end: 00:21:08:02 Length: 00:05:15:09