Play your part in Local Healthwatch scheme in Cheshire East

 

Local Healthwatch, the new consumer champion for publicly-funded health and social care services is to be launched by Cheshire East Council – and residents are being given the chance to guide how it is set up.

It will provide information and advice to the public, monitor and listen to people’s views on health and social care and influence the way services are provided in the future.

A public consultation is now being held to help ensure that Local Healthwatch can do this in the best way for Cheshire East once the initiative launches in April 2013.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “Local Healthwatch is being developed to give the people of Cheshire East a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided locally.

“This will include statutory representation on the health and wellbeing board, which is also to be launched in April 2013, and a strong advocacy role to ensure that all local groups and individuals have the opportunity to be heard.

“The key to its success will be the ability of Local Healthwatch to talk with authority about what the people of Cheshire East really think about what they need and want from their services.”

The consultation, which runs until July 31, focuses on discovering the best way to structure Local Healthwatch in Cheshire East.

People and groups will be able to find out more and get involved by visiting the following events:

· Thursday, June 28 – Crewe Alexandra FC (2pm)

· Friday, June 29 – Congleton New Life Church (2pm)

· Monday, July 16 – Macclesfield Town Hall (2pm)

· Tuesday, July 17 – Southway car park, Middlewich (10am)

· Wednesday, July 18 – Fairview car park, Alsager (10am)

· Thursday, July 19 – The Commons, Sandbach (10am)

The consultation team will also visit Nantwich (July 12, 10am), Knutsford (July 13, 10am), Holmes Chapel (July 19, 1pm), Wilmslow (July 20, 10am) and Poynton (July 20, 2pm). Exact locations are to be confirmed.

Questionnaires will be available at these events and an online survey is available at:

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/consultations

To find out more about getting involved send an email to:

cpu@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 01270 371376.