From public engagement and marmalade sandwiches to the House of Lords.

The invitation came from the Integration of Primary and Community Care Select Committee who placed a call for evidence. What we set out to achieve was to shine a light on the true picture of what currently happens within services, what works well and where improvement needs to be made. This will influence where future focus lies as primary care transforms and remains to support the patient in the best possible way. Topics of discussion covered were; dentistry, pharmaceuticals, ophthalmology, information sharing between services and people’s lived experience of health and social care.

From the submission of evidence there will a report written which will be published in the autumn. Key recommendations within this report will help pave the way on the future of how primary and community care will be delivered. The key recommendations will be debated on the floor within parliament over the winter months and moved forward.

We challenged the committee with this question – do you think the voice is proportionate between committee members and people with lived experience? The committee’s response “They are very conscious that they need to hear from people with lived experience as these are the people who can inform them of what happens within services. That is why we ask people for evidence.”

On reflection, I question whether this is enough or should the committee provide a seat within the committee for Healthwatch to provide vital input? By the very nature of our role we should be strategically placed to make the strongest impact and change services for everyone, me, you, our families & friends, even our neighbour’s down the street because that is why we exist.