To receive an update on both the commissioning and the work of Healthwatch Herefordshire, and to consider areas that Healthwatch has raised for inclusion in the committee’s work programme for further scrutiny.

The director for adults and wellbeing introduced the item. In setting some context, he explained that Healthwatch was commissioned by the council and, through the Health and Social Care Act 2012, was the third iteration of arrangements since Community Health Councils were abolished in 2003 that had been established formally to provide a function for public involvement in health.

There had been long standing arrangements in place for such a function through the establishment of community health councils in 1974. Councils were required to commission Healthwatch services from a third sector body, through non-ring fenced funding. The commissioning relationship was complex as it was established on behalf of the system but also the council was subject to review by Healthwatch, and so it was important to maintain the right balance between being an effective commissioner and not disabling Healthwatch’s role to hold the council to account. The new arrangements represented a significant step forward in fulfilling this role.

The chair of Healthwatch provided some background to the current arrangement, and explained that the previous iteration of Healthwatch was formed as a subcommittee through Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service (HVOSS) but was now recommissioned as a standalone organisation. It was an established company, with a new board of directors and a developing team led by a new chief officer. Further appointments to engagement and communication roles were underway.   There was still work to do in continuing to improve the performance of the organisation from these good foundations and in continuing to monitor health and care provision. Accountability was established through the formal contract with the council and in the relationship with the public as users of health and social care, in taking their views and helping them to understand what is happening within local services. It was a challenge to maximise engagement but Healthwatch continued to make progress, supported by a valued volunteer network and an established stakeholder group. The Healthwatch chair acknowledged the significant role of volunteers including two who had been co-opted to the board. The Healthwatch chair also acknowledged the support that had been provided by Healthwatch Worcestershire to help establish Healthwatch Herefordshire so that it was able to become a standalone organisation. 

The chief officer of Healthwatch gave an account of the work of Healthwatch over the past year, which commenced with asking the public what they thought Healthwatch should focus on. This had identified: GP access; public health and prevention; palliative care; complex conditions; adults social care pathway; and accident and emergency services.

The resulting plan was to focus on two areas at a time, making use of groups and gathering feedback and information, which had led to further emerging issues to be addressed at the same time as the key priorities.

The key point this year would be to evaluate what contact was the most effective and to develop relationships with key organisations to ensure ongoing dialogue to inform the work. An example included working with the CCG about public concerns over Hillside. Positive and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33