Agenda item
Healthwatch Tower Hamlets Review
To receive a report from Sarah Vallelly (Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer)
The report provides an update on the council’s current review of Healthwatch Tower Hamlets (HWTH). The aim of the review is to develop a model for HWTH which builds on existing strengths, identifies areas of improvement and incorporates good practice from other local Healthwatch organisations. The review findings will inform the retender of the Healthwatch contract.
Minutes:
Sarah Vallelly (Strategy, Policy and Performance Officer) provided the Panel with an outline of the methodology for the review and timetable for reporting on the findings and commissioning of the new Healthwatch Tower Hamlets (HWTH) contract and informed the Panel of the following –
· The aim of the review is to develop a model for HWTH which builds on existing strengths, identifies areas of improvement and incorporates good practice from other local HW organisations;
· The existing contract was due to expire on 31st March 2016 but this has now been extended by one year till 1st April 2017;
· HWTH undertakes the following key activities –
o Provides information, sign-posting and advice to the public about accessing health and social care services and choice in relation to aspects of those services;
o Obtains the views of people about their needs for and experience of local care services and makes those views known to those involved in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of care services;
o Promote and supports the involvement of people in the monitoring, commissioning and provision of local care services;
o Influence the commissioning and provision of services through producing evidence-based reports and recommendations about how those services could or should be improved;
o Local HW have a statutory seat on the local Health & Wellbeing Board to help them to do this effectively;
o Makes the views and experiences of people known to Healthwatch England helping it to carry out its role as national champion; and
o Makes recommendations to HW England to advise the Care Quality Commission to carry out special reviews or investigations into areas of concern
Members considered the report and made the following comments –
· There is a need to reflect on what HW currently do and whether there is an opportunity to do more deeper and specific work and if there is a capacity to do it e.g. the work in maternity services currently underway;
· Not many residents know about HW, so how can they advertise more and promote their services better;
· HW has a rich insight into the patient experience so can suggest ways to improve it and make the service better with practical ideas; and
· There is an opportunity to develop the capacity in HW through future funding by commissioning contracts.
Dr Isabel Hodkinson suggested that each GP must complete a 6 week check on new-born babies and that consult could be used to complete a form or fill in a survey about their experiences on the maternity unit or to raise awareness about HW, parental smoking and breastfeeding etc.
David Burbidge commented that HWTH has 1 director and 1.5 staff, with a small budget and a large remit. He also stated that HWTH has no resources to advertise its services, but they usually do a “tea poster campaign” and some advertising within the Council and through the HW website. Each HW across England is managed differently based upon resources and capacity. Council Tax bills will also be circulated to all residents in the Borough shortly and there is an opportunity to use this mail-out to advertise HWTH.
Sarah Vallelly commented that Healthwatch is not a complaints body, just an advocacy service to signpost and give the patients a voice. It is an independent organisation that values scrutiny and can influence commissioners.
RESOLVED THAT:
1. The presentation and report be noted.
2. The information provided by Dr Isabella Hopkinson relating to the “6 week new-born baby checks” be researched further with an update being provided to a future meeting.
Supporting documents: