Healthwatch Lancashire

Making sure you get the healthcare you deserve.

Healthwatch Lancashire is your local health and social care champion. From Chorley to Lancaster, and everywhere in between, they make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care. Their focus is on understanding the needs, experiences and concerns of people of all backgrounds who use services and to speak out on their behalf.

Healthwatch (HW) was established in April 2013 as part of the implementation of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.

By law, there must be a Healthwatch in every local authority.

A key role of Healthwatch is to champion the views of people who use health and care services in their local area, seeking to ensure that their experiences inform the improvement of services. Healthwatch are constantly listening, recording, and reporting on the views of local people on a wide range of health and care issues, ensuring that people in the area are able to express their views and have a voice in improving their local health and care services. Healthwatch aim to influence change by sharing public insights with supporting recommendations.

Healthwatch also have the statutory power to enter health and social care services to see them in action. 'Enter and View' visits enable Healthwatch to identify what is working well with services and where they could be improved.

Tell them your health and social care story and together we can implement change.

What they do

Healthwatch Lancashire gathers intelligence by engaging with residents, listening to comments, compliments and concerns and ensuring that these views and experiences are heard by those who run, plan and regulate health and social care services in Lancashire.

In addition, they will:

• Represent the views of the public via Health and Wellbeing boards set up by local authorities.
• Report concerns about the quality of health care to Healthwatch England, which can then recommend that the Care Quality Commission take action.
• Identify local and national trends and raise awareness of these to the relevant organisations.
• Signpost members of the public to services in Lancashire including information services, charities, complaints and advocacy services.
• Work in collaboration with health and social care providers in Lancashire to ensure comments are listened to and to promote best practice.
• Develop creative projects and activities to capture views of vulnerable people in society or those who are seldom heard.

Volunteering

Volunteering with Healthwatch Lancashire will give you an opportunity to:

• Make a difference in your local community
• Meet new people
• Enhance your skills and knowledge
• Access training and support
• Use your existing skills
• Add valuable experience to your CV

If you are interested in volunteering with Healthwatch Lancashire or would like any further information, visit Healthwatch Lancashire - Volunteering.