BATTLING health watchdogs have admitted defeat, saying they have lost their fight for survival.

But they claim the war to stand up for patient rights is not over.

John Seddon, chairman of the Community Health Council, told his band of loyal committee members that "the battle has been lost -- but we will fight on".

The health champions, who have highlighted many human rights conflicts in Bolton's hospital for decades, are set to be abolished under Government proposals.

Speaking at an annual meeting of the CHC, Mr Seddon said: "I think we have lost the battle. CHCs will probably go. Of that, I am in no doubt.

"We now have to compromise. Instead of battling to retain CHCs, we should look to reorganise under a different name and be stronger than we are now."

Mr Seddon's comments came after he spoke with the chairman of the country's Association of Community Health Councils.

The axing of the independent health watchdogs was part of the Health and Social Care Bill which has now entered a state of flux due to the delay of the general election.

A repeat bill is expected to be lodged by Labour if they win.

Mr Seddon believes that the Government needs the 7,000 voluntary health champions to form a scrutiny body in the future.

He said: "We have had a wealth of support from GPs and the public. Now we need to get round the table with the Government and sort it out."