PRESS RELEASE: Student Evan urges people to have their say about changes to the NHS
After completing his four-week placement from Sheffield Hallam University, 33-year-old Evan, from Doncaster, is encouraging others to speak out as part of ‘What Would You do? led, by independent health and social care champion Healthwatch Doncaster.
What Would You Do?
Launched recently, What would you do? aims to encourage people in Doncaster to share their views about how extra money from the Government should be spent on local NHS services.
The Government is investing £20 billion a year in the NHS as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Local organisations are now being asked to explore how services should change locally to make the NHS work better for people.
Evan said: “By talking and listening to people who have been ill and used these services – you get fantastic knowledge and feedback about health services, which we will all have to use at some stage in our lives.
Since I’ve been at Healthwatch, I have observed just how important it is that people have the opportunity to share their views.
"We need independent organisations like Healthwatch Doncaster, to enable people to have the freedom to feedback without the fear of retribution. I would encourage others to take part and make sure their voice is heard.”
Placement opportunity
Evan, who is studying BA Honours Learning Disability Nursing and Social Work, has had the opportunity to listen to people’s views through meetings and engagement opportunities, including at Doncaster College.
Evan said:
“I have seen first-hand how they value each individual experience, or opinion, and use this to influence the work that they do. I have been supported to create engagement opportunities that will hopefully benefit hard to reach communities within Doncaster; influenced by those opportunities to hear people’s views. I’m looking forward to seeing all the important work that is done around the NHS Long Term Plan, from a team that is passionate about ensuring healthcare is better for the individual, and not the organisation."
What would you do? aims to get feedback from people in an online survey. Questions will focus on local services on areas such as mental health support, support people to live healthier lives and how services could be better.
Andrew Goodall, Chief Operating Officer at Healthwatch Doncaster, added:
“The NHS only works when the voices of the people who use it are heard. This is a once in a generation chance for local people to help decide where this extra money from Government should be spent in our NHS services in the Borough.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible about what works, what doesn’t and how they think local health services should be improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it. Sharing your experience with us is quick and easy – and could make a big difference.”
Staff and volunteers from Healthwatch Doncaster will be undertaking outreach activities where people can share their views. People can also share their views in an online survey, visit surveymonkey.co.uk/r/whatwouldyoudoinSYB or visit the website
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
Healthwatch Doncaster is a Community Interest Company as of 1st July 2016, to continue its work across Doncaster supporting the improvement of health and care services through engagement, involvement and influence.
This entails engagement work throughout the community and signposting people to the right service.
Press release contact:
Chief Operating Officer Andrew Goodall
01302 965454 or mobile: 07834 686855
