SHIP HealthWatch Pathfinder Announced
Southampton, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth Councils are committed to supporting the development of local HealthWatch and recently applied to the Department of Health to jointly establish a local pathfinder project to help with preparations for the new consumer watchdog for health & social care.
The aim of the pathfinder is to collectively explore a range of issues raised during the national consultation exercise, consider value for money and to give patients, service users and the public a stronger voice.
Every local authority across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is committed to this collaborative approach and we look forward to taking part in the HealthWatch national pathfinder programme, in order to share our learning and identify good practice.
For more information check out the Department of Health website
Although there are advantages to the SHIP-wide approach, both in terms of support costs and information exchange, I believe we must make sure that LOCAL HealthWatch in Portsmouth makes its voice heard with service commissioners and service providers to ensure that Portsmouth and the surrounding area's needs are met.
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