HealthWatch - Get involved from the start!

IN JULY 2010, the Government announced plans to set up new independent champions for health and social care consumers called HealthWatchEngland.

Many people already give up their time - via LINks (Local Involvement Networks) and Patient Participation Groups and help shape local health and social care services. To build on this, HealthWatchEngland will be established as the "national independent champion" for health and social care consumers i.e. those who use and benefit from such services.

East Riding LINk is expected to turn into the local HealthWatch which Government documents have described as a kind of "citizen’s advice bureau" for health and social care in the area.

Legislation to establish HealthWatch is being introduced by Parliament. The new bodies are expected to be up and running by 2012.

People interested in helping to shape health and social care services locally - and getting involved with HealthWatch from the start - can find out more by contacting:

Susan Oliver

ERYLINk Office
Challenge House
35 Eastgate North
Driffield

Telephone: 01377 232135
E-mail: erylink@hwrcc.org.uk