What is Healthwatch Bury?

Healthwatch Bury is a local independent champion for consumers and users of health and social care in Bury.

Is Healthwatch part of the NHS?

No, Healthwatch Bury is completely independent of the NHS. It is an independent organsiation that was set up to represent the views of the people who use health and social care services in the local area.

Is local Healthwatch accountable to Healthwatch England?

No, your local Healthwatch is commissioned by their local authority and will be accountable to them.

What makes us different?

Healthwatch Bury has a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board, so can take your voice and information straight to the table of those who commission services. We work closely with healthwatch England, NHS England and Care Quality Commission to raise issues, comments and any knowledge that is gathered that could improve health or social care services in Bury.

What are Health and Wellbeing Boards?

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 established local Health and Wellbeing Boards as a forum where key leaders from the health and social care system work together to improve the health and wellbeing of the local population and reduce health inequalities. Health and Wellbeing Board members collaborate to understand their local community’s needs, agree priorities and encourage commissioners to work in a more joined-up way. As a result, patients and the public should experience more joined-up services from the NHS and local councils.

What powers does Healthwatch have to improve poor practice?

Healthwatch does not have direct power to change practice. We gather and present evidence of poor practice in health and social care services to regulators, other arms-length bodies, including the Care Quality Commission and central government. They are obliged to respond to us.

What does Healthwatch Bury do?

Healthwatch Bury gathers evidence to identify national consumer trends and issues in health and social care and uses the evidence to influence both local and national policy.

How can I find out more about particular health and scoial care services?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects all hospitals, care homes, dentists, GP surgeries and other health and care services in England. To find out more about its work – including reports on individual services in Bury- visitwww.cqc.org.uk

What is ICA?

NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service is there to provide you with practical support, advice and information if you want to make a complaint about an NHS service you or someone you know has received. An advocate works from our office on a fortnightly basis. Contact us for further information.

Are you able to challenge independent/private sector services?

Our remit covers any provider of health or social care that is in receipt of public funding.