PRESS RELEASE: Healthwatch Doncaster wins national award for its regional leadership around the NHS Long Term Plan
Working with local Healthwatch partners (Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley with Doncaster co-ordinating the response) under the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS), the ‘What Would You Do?’ campaign saw over 1,300 responses from people across the region, resulting in service user feedback focusing on self-care, mental health investment and joined-up care. The 38-page report was presented at the regional ICS in July to a fantastic response, with updates delivered to local stakeholders and partners in Doncaster alongside publication on our website.
Healthwatch Doncaster Chief Operating Officer Andrew Goodall said: “The recognition from Healthwatch England is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of local Healthwatchs and stakeholders, coming together to capture the passionate opinions of people in the region about the NHS Long Term Plan.”
The Healthwatch Network Awards celebrate the many positive stories of how the local Healthwatch network is helping to make care better for thousands of people, and recognise how people’s feedback is vital to improving services. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate where local Healthwatch worked within the community to make sure health and social care services meet people’s needs.
The comments received shows the impact of local people, including seldom heard communities, having their say on health and social care services
Healthwatch Doncaster would encourage people in the Borough to talk to us about their health and social care experiences via our online feedback centre,” said Andrew.
During the two-day conference, Healthwatch Doncaster delivered a workshop for Healthwatch colleagues about its work developing student placements, and showcasing the approach to a thriving volunteer network.
Healthwatch listen to what people like about the NHS and social care and what needs to be improved. Their views are shared with health and care professionals, so that services can understand what people and their families want from care.
Helen Stevens, Associate Director of Communications and Engagement from the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw ICS said:
“We are delighted that Healthwatch Doncaster, on behalf of all the Healthwatchs in South Yorkshire, have won national recognition for their fantastic work engaging with the public on the local response to the NHS Long Term Plan."
“The South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw 5-year-plan (our local response to the Long Term Plan) is due to be published later this year, and I am very proud to say that the opinions of the public have helped shape the entirety of the report, thanks to the great work of our Healthwatch partners.”
The local Healthwatch shortlisted for 2019 Healthwatch Network Awards were picked from almost 150 award entries.
The winner from each category was chosen by a panel of external judges and announced at the Healthwatch England Annual Conference on 1 October 2019.
Imelda Redmond, CBE, National Director of Healthwatch England said: “The Healthwatch Network Awards is a fantastic event which showcases the very best of local Healthwatch, it’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate the impact our teams and volunteers have in improving health and care across the country.
“Their work makes sure people’s experiences are placed at the heart of the services they receive. I’d like to acknowledge and thank all the network and congratulate those who took part, they have done their communities proud.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Healthwatch England is the independent champion for people who use health social care services. We exist to ensure that people are at the heart of care. http://www.healthwatch.co.uk
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. More information: www.healthwatchdoncaster.org.uk
Press release contact:
Chief Operating Officer Andrew Goodall
01302 965454 or mobile: 07834 686855
