1. Healthwatch – the national & local picture
Cath Broderick

2. Background to HealthWatch
Over years a series of reforms trying to make the PPI system inclusive, representative & influential
View that this has not always been the case
Despite significant achievements & high levels of satisfaction , LINks have encountered -
Need for visible accountability
Lack of awareness of their work
Some struggles to involve wide range of people
No national leadership, different approaches resulting in different outcomes

3. How HealthWatch works New approach – developing HealthWatch
The new independent consumer champion for both health & social care
A network made up of two levels:
HealthWatch England works at the national level & was set up in October 2012
Local HealthWatch organisation covering every local authority area in England – being developed now & begin work in April 2013

4. HealthWatch England
Provides leadership, support & advice to local HealthWatch organisations so they can be strong ambassadors for local people
Using the HealthWatch network will make sure the voices of people across the country are heard by Government, CQC, NHS Commissioning Board, Monitor & all local authorities in England

5. Local HealthWatch
Give citizens & communities a stronger voice to influence & challenge how services are provided in their locality
Credibility & public trust – respond & act on concerns & issues
Influence how services are set up & commissioned – through Health & Wellbeing Board, contribute to JSNA, work in partnership with commissioners, public health, adult social care

6. Local HealthWatch
Provide intelligence to influence local policy, planning & delivery of health & social care
Evidence from engagement, feedback from enter and view activity
Develop understanding of & connect with diverse communities & issues
Strong visual identity recognisable by user
Provide information, advice and support about local services

7. HealthWatch in Salford
Local citizens have been part of the development & influenced the specification, principles & vision
Influential, independent, constructive, trusted by local commissioners & providers
Analytical, providing evidence, holding to account
Collaborative, build on the achievements, networks, strengths of LINks & current system

8. HealthWatch in Salford
Opportunities for innovation – encourage partnerships, collaborations & creativity
Become a focal point & repository for feedback & information – bring together existing providers of community engagement & information
Professional organisation that can utilise existing skills, expertise, networks