New group to raise health care concerns

Healthwatch Bradford and District, part of the Healthwatch England national network, is a new independent organisation which will give people a voice to improve and shape services and help them get the best out of health and social care services.

The body will provide information, advice and support to people about services, listen to their views about their needs and experiences and make sure the views are listened to by those setting up and delivering services.

It will also have the power to enter and view health and social care services across Bradford district as well as produce reports and recommendations which influence the way services are designed and delivered at both a local and national level.

Andrew Jones, who has been appointed as manager of Healthwatch Bradford and District, said: “We want to put the voice and influence of local people at the centre of everything we do, and will be working hard to make sure that people across our diverse district feel Healthwatch belongs to them and reflects their needs.

“It’s early days, but we’re here and ready to get started.”

Healthwatch Bradford and District replaces the Bradford Local Involvement Network (LINk), building on its work over the past five years and carrying on with many of its projects, but with extra functions and powers, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

It will be governed by an independent board, and the process of selecting the chairman is expected to begin soon with nominations being requested from voluntary and community organisations.

Bradford Council awarded Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) the contract to run Healthwatch Bradford and District, along with contracts to Bradford and Airedale Mental Health Advocacy Group and Choice Advocacy to run the new Bradford Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service.

The organisation will be based at KIVCA’s offices at Central Hall in Keighley.

Visit healthwatchbradford. co.uk for more information.