Health watchdogs raise real-life concerns with MP

HEALTH watchdogs from Warrington got a chance to raise real-life health and social care concerns with MP Faisal Rashid when they attended a reception in Parliament.
Lydia Thompson and Ruth Marie Dales, manager and chairman of Healthwatch Warriington joined more than 100 fellow local Healthwatch organisations at the annual event.
A number of MPs, as well as key decision makers from across the health and social care sector were at the event .
The Healthwatch Warrington representatives were able to tell the Warrington South MP about the work they have been doing to shape local services on behalf of Warrington residents, including:
* Working with Warrington Together to create a ‘People’s Panel’ to increase public involvement in shaping future Health and Social Care Services.
* Visiting care homes and services for local people to hear first-hand about their experiences.
* Seeking views on oral healthcare for residents of residential care homes
They told Mr Rashid that with local health and social care services going through rapid change, with the launch of the NHS Long Term Plan, it had never been more important for services to involve the people they serve in shaping the future of health and social care.
The good news was that Healthwatch was getting more people to come forward to share their views on the issues in their areas. When acted upon by commissioners, care providers and clinicians, people’s experiences and ideas were leading to safer, better quality care. In this way people were where they should be – at the centre of their service.
Mr Rashid said: “Without accountability to local people, we cannot ensure that health and social care systems are relevant to the people and place they are intended to serve. During a Westminster Hall debate I tabled last month, I argued that the debate around NHS reorganisation and service provision should be made far more accessible and accountable to the public. It’s extremely important to me that the concerns of my constituents in Warrington South are listened to by local healthcare services.
“Healthwatch Warrington plays a vital role as the champion of patients in Warrington, giving people the chance to air their views about the NHS services and care we receive. I regularly peak with Healthwatch Warrington”
The Warrington representative also spoke with Sir Robert Francis, chairman of Healthwatch England and local priorities.
Held in the Houses of Parliament, the reception was hosted by national body Healthwatch England to mark the launch of its sixth annual report which can be seen  at www.healthwatchwarrington.co.uk
Pictured: Lydia Thompson, Healthwatch Warrington manager, Sir Robert Francis, chairman of Healthwatch England and Ruth Marie Dales, chairman of Healtwatch Warrington.