The Big Society in an age of austerity: threats and opportunities for Health Consumer and Patients' Organizations in England.

The article discusses how the health consumer and patients' organizations (HCPOs) in Great Britain have been influenced by the changes in policy and political environment, focusing on the threats and opportunities for HCPOs. It suggests that the developments presented both opportunities and challenges for HCPOs while seeking to influence policy, which include the promotion of choice and competition in public services, austerity measure and the British National Health Service (NHS) reform.