HealthWatch – an effective patient and public voice Steve Studham: Chair, Derby LINk Cath Roff: Strategic Director- Adults, Health & Housing, Derby City Council
Overview Role of HealthWatch Relationship to Health & Well-being Board Emerging issues Some things to think about
Role of local HealthWatch “The local consumer voice for health and social care” Influencing – help shape the planning of health and social care services Signposting – help people access and make choices about care Advisory – Advocacy for individuals making complaints about healthcare
Local HealthWatch (2) Local Involvement Networks to be the foundation for local HealthWatch Carry forward the core functions of LINk but new duties too Shaped as a corporate body so can employ staff LHW membership to be representative of local community Has a seat on the Health and Well-being Board Commissioners and providers to have due regard to local HealthWatch findings
From LINk to HealthWatch Health and Well-being Board – stronger role, influence on commissioning decisions Inclusive and diverse voice – strive to be representative of local community and ensure all voices are heard Help CCGs and providers make best use of patient and public voice in their decision- making Make alliances and tap into existing local and professional expertise in voluntary, community and faith sector
Relationship to HWBB “Critical friend” Help in shaping the JSNA and Joint Health and Well-being Strategy Scrutiny of health and social care services (excluding children’s social care) Help local authorities fulfil their duty to involve customers and the public Comment on commissioning strategies
Emerging issues - LINks Yet another change – Community Health Councils→Patient & Public Forums→LINks Unease at being commissioned by local authorities – conflict of interest? “Body corporate” off-putting to some Hanging on to staff and volunteers during transition Adequate funding?
Emerging issues - Commissioners What does “evolve” mean? Difficult relationships with some LINks Politicisation of HealthWatch by some Members – cost savings vs decent funding Geographical boundaries – local authority or CCG? Calibre and capacity of volunteers Role of Chair critical
Some things to think about? Does our local LINk have a seat on the HWBB? Do we have a good relationship with our LINk? What is our area’s approach to having conversations with our citizens? Where does HealthWatch fit in our response to localism?
Some more things to think about! What investment would it take to have a good HealthWatch? What are relationships like between our LINk and other voluntary sector groups? What will be the relationship between the scrutiny that happens at the HWBB and the formal OSC? How can we develop together?
East Midlands Development Programme Sponsored by the Transitions Board Community Development Foundation and Locally Made are delivery partners Action learning set approach LINk and Commissioners separate then will come together Five authorities are path-finders too (Derby City, Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire)