DERBYSHIRE: New health and social care watchdog

They have been appointed to the executive board of Healthwatch Derbyshire − a new independent service set up by the Government.

From April 1 each area will have its own Healthwatch to improve how local people can influence, challenge and get involved in the planning of health and social care services including hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes and care at home.

Healthwatch Derbyshire’s executive board began meeting last month in order to get the new organisation launched and ready for business in April.

Executive Board Acting Chair Darren Bailey said:

“Healthwatch Derbyshire will give people a powerful voice both locally and nationally.

“We will work hard to help residents get the best out of their local health and social services − whether it’s improving them or helping to shape them for tomorrow.

“Healthwatch Derbyshire is about local voices being able to influence the delivery and design of services for the whole of Derbyshire now and in the future.”

Cabinet Member for Public Health Councillor Carol Hart said:

“We were looking for local people who were committed to championing the public’s interests in health and social care and to ensuring Derbyshire residents experience high quality service.

“Executive board members will be responsible for carrying out and contributing to a range of activities to ensure this important new independent service does exactly what it’s been set up to do.”