Dudley residents, groups, and voluntary organisations are invited to take part in an event which will help shape the establishment of a Dudley HealthWatch in 2012.
The event on 7th July 2011 (9.30 am – 1.00pm) will look at how Dudley will develop an independent patient and public voice organisation.
Hosted by Dudley Council and Dudley Council for Voluntary Service and held at Dudley College (Broadway campus), the government’s vision is that HealthWatch will be an independent consumer champion for the public both locally and nationally and will help to promote better outcomes in health and social care.
Dr Steve Cartwright, Managing Director for Dudley PCT said: “Putting people at the heart of everything the NHS does is fundamental to making sure that resources are targeted at developing the most effective health services as possible.
“We are keen to involve as many people as possible to attend to share their views as to how Dudley’s HealthWatch could serve the people of Dudley”
Across England local HealthWatch organisations are being created by developing the role of existing LINks (Local Involvement Networks) and will ensure that the views and feedback from people who use services, carers and members of the public are integral to local commissioning.
HealthWatch could also provide advocacy and support to people and help them to make choices about services, as well as providing intelligence for HealthWatch England (the national body) about the quality of providers.
Councillor Lesley Faulkner, cabinet member for adult and community services said: “Understanding the experience of our customers is vital to us so we can learn what works well, what needs to be improved and where there are important gaps to be filled.
“Excellence in customer care and working with people who use our services as partners in improvement is the key to ensuring we continue to provide the very best information, guidance, advice and social care services as possible. We hope that HealthWatch help us achieve this”
The recent government Health and Social Care Bill proposes that Local Involvement Networks (LINks) will evolve into local HealthWatch organisations by April 2012.
For further details and how to book a place at the event please contact Shobha Asar-Paul on 5889 or Aaron Sangian on 4757 emails to vindro.mallhi@dudley.gov.uk
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