It is the local representatives who are at the interface with their local communities in dealing with the problems of waiting lists, access to services and so on. When health board offices are closed outside the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. office hours, five days a week, it is often the local elected representative who meets and responds to the needs of the community. Local representatives respond to the needs of the people in their own locality, turning their voice into action. It is a central element of the democratic process. The local representative brings a unique wisdom, procured from their connection with the local community, to policy making and decision making on health.