Healthwatch Shropshire shortlisted for national award in record year

News from our partners Healthwatch Shropshire

Healthwatch Shropshire has been nominated for an award for its work to ensure communities get the advice and information they need to make decisions about their well-being, care and the services that support them.

Healthwatch Shropshire was instrumental in setting up the Shropshire Together Communication and Engagement Group, a group of partners that includes Shropshire Council, the NHS and other health organisations, the voluntary and community sector, businesses, young people and local communities. Members of the group work to improve the health and well-being of people in Shropshire and fulfil the Health and Well-being Board’s vision ‘for Shropshire people to be the healthiest and most fulfilled in England’.

Healthwatch Shropshire logo

Celebrated every year, the national Healthwatch Network Awards highlight the ways in which local Healthwatch across the country have been working hard to ensure health and care services meet the needs of their communities.  This year there were a record-breaking 170 entries.

Jane Randall-Smith, Healthwatch Shropshire Chief Officer, commented:

“We are delighted that our work in this area has been recognised in this way. I would like to thank all our staff and volunteers who contribute so much to help service providers and decision makers target their efforts to make things better for the people of Shropshire. If anybody is interested in joining our team of volunteers it is a great opportunity to make a real difference for your community. Give us a ring on 01743 237884.”

Healthwatch Shropshire is the independent consumer champion for health and social care in Shropshire. It gathers the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s services.  It also has statutory powers that it can use to influence service provision by encouraging improvements.

Further information

Healthwatch Shropshire is one of a network of 148 Local Healthwatch in England.  It is supported by a national organisation, Healthwatch England.

It has a team working in community engagement, plus a volunteer programme, a visit programme to health and social care premises and an associate membership scheme to involve the public in its work.  It also has a signposting service to help people access health and social care services and support.

Healthwatch Shropshire also provides the Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS) for Shropshire. The IHCAS service provides information, advice and, if necessary, can support people through the NHS complaints process.

Website www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk