Healthwatch Kirklees wins national recognition
We were proud to be recognised for our work at the annual Healthwatch conference in Manchester this week. Here is the press release that went out today.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Local Patient Champion Healthwatch Kirklees was recognized for its work at the National Healthwatch Conference this week. The Charity won a national award, as well as being highly commended for its work on NHS Dentistry, and was voted runner up by its peers in the Network Choice category.
Anna Bradley, Chair of Healthwatch England, said:
“We had a very high standard of award entries this year, so the team at Healthwatch Kirklees should be extremely proud of their success winning the Making a Difference Across the System category and coming highly commended in the Network’s Choice award.
“The work they have done gathering and understanding patients’ views of Section 136 of the Mental Health act and working in partnership with local police and NHS to make improvements in the way local services are delivered clearly shows how involving and informing patients in discussions and decisions about their healthcare can make a sustainable impact – and bring about long-term system change.
“It is work like this that makes Kirklees a shining example of what it means to be Healthwatch and demonstrates what can be achieved through excellent teamwork and dedication to making health and social care services better for local people. Their awards are thoroughly deserved.”
Fatima Khan-Shah joint Chair of Healthwatch Kirklees said
“We’re really proud of the recognition, and grateful to all of the volunteers, staff and trustees who have worked together to make Healthwatch in Kirklees what it is. We’re also grateful to colleagues right across the NHS, Kirklees Council and Police for working in partnership with us, and being so willing to listen to the stories that patients have told us.
What we’ve shown this year is that Healthwatch can help people who use NHS and social care services to get their voice heard, and to help make changes in our Healthcare system. We hope this award encourages more patients to contact us with their stories of care and treatment in Kirklees”
If you have a comment to make about a doctor, dentist, care home or hospital, the charities feedback system at www.healthwatchkirklees.co.uk offers an easy way to make your voice heard. Patients can also email info@healthwatchkirklees.co.uk or call on 01924 450379 or call into their offices in Empire House Dewsbury to tell their story.
Photo- from left to right
Rory Deighton – Director Healthwatch Kirklees
Flora Goldhill, Director for Children, Families & Health Inequalities at Department of Health.
Helen Wright- Co-ordinator Healthwatch Kirklees
Fatima Khan-Shah Joint Chair Healthwatch Kirklees