HealthWatch Pathfinder Press Release

Press Release re: Pathfinder HealthWatch

The Local Involvement Network (LINk) Volunteers and staff believe this is an exciting opportunity to work in partnership with our Local Authority.  LINk is a statutory organisation that enables individuals, organisations and the community to have their say about health and social care. LINk is hosted by Voluntary Action North East Lincolnshire (VANEL)

LINk Volunteers and staff, as part of the pathfinder HealthWatch process will endeavour to make it easier for members of our community to identify the health and social care services that they need through signposting, influence service delivery and supporting people to access the care they need. It will also explore the role of HealthWatch advocacy services for complainants to help to ensure people who want to make a complaint against the NHS are offered independent support if they wish.

HealthWatch seeks to be the independent champion for the community and pathfinder status will expand our influence in challenging underperformance within the NHS. As a Pathfinder we will increase our visibility and accessibility to ensure that members of the community know who we are, how they can become involved, how they can navigate the NHS and what services we can offer.

HealthWatch will be an integral part of the strategic partnership that will assess health needs in our community by being integral to the Health and Wellbeing board and through working with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to be a major independent player in how the services are commissioned and subsequently tailored to be fit for purpose. 

The successful HealthWatch pathfinder bid also includes provision for exploring joint working with our neighbours in North Lincolnshire, East Riding and Hull so that efficiencies can be generated and best practice shared without losing local focus.

Ray Oxby, Chair of LINk says “this is a ground breaking venture for North East Lincolnshire community and reflects the confidence the Government have in our organisation to continue to better influence services in health and social care, and develop our signposting role. I am keen that we seize this opportunity in collaboration with all our partners.”