Agenda item

6.1

Pam Enderby and Jason Bennett, representing Healthwatch Sheffield, gave a presentation on the work of Healthwatch Sheffield and how the organisation could work together with the Health and Wellbeing Board to deliver the right outcomes for the people of Sheffield.

The following comments were made in the presentation:-

·         There was now a legal requirement to involve patients and the public in influencing policy.

·         Sheffield LINk had been the precursor to Healthwatch Sheffield. Although LINk had worked well in Sheffield, this had not necessarily been the case nationally. Healthwatch Sheffield was keen to develop the good work done by LINk in Sheffield.

·         Healthwatch Sheffield had a consortium approach to delivery with 3 main organisations at the centre of the work in Sheffield. Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS) would work on engagement and communication issues. Sheffield Citizens Advice and Law Centre had a remit to signpost and co-ordinate information and Sheffield Cubed would undertake engagement in communities through the health champions and there were health champions who were members of Healthwatch Sheffield’s Governing Body.

·         Healthwatch Sheffield had a ‘Network of Networks’ approach and had identified good areas of collaboration and intention to work together across Sheffield.

·         There was a big reliance on volunteers who often undertook work which only they could do.

·         The priority areas of work for Healthwatch Sheffield were Children and Young People, examining volunteering roles and infrastructure and the development of the Governing Body. Although a Governing Body had been established, there were a number of gaps and there was also a need to pay attention to culturally diverse groups such as Black, Minority and Ethnic (BME) groups.

·         Access to G.Ps had been raised as a key area of concern by the public and Healthwatch Sheffield was working to see how they could assist people in improving access.

·         Other key areas of work included mental health and the transition between child and adult services, home care and concerns in relation to the responsibilities of staff, Accident and Emergency and the NHS 111 number.

·         There was evidence that people still did not know how to complain or compliment in relation to services and there remained a continued problem of access to information.

·         Healthwatch Sheffield wished to be involved in the budget consultation which would take place in respect of adult social care.

·         In conclusion, Jason Bennett asked the Board how they believed Healthwatch Sheffield could make a unique contribution in Sheffield, how they could add value and how they could be involved in influencing decision making in the City.

·         LINk had produced a legacy document which would be used as the basis for Healthwatch Sheffield’s priorities. The challenge now was to develop these further.

In response to the presentation, the Board made a number of comments as summarised below:-

·         Thanks were extended to Sheffield LINk for their work over the last few years and it was hoped that there would be a seamless follow on from this.

·         Service users needed to appreciate that change was sometimes a positive step and Healthwatch Sheffield would play an important part in making the case for change.

·         The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families welcomed children and young people being one of the priorities for Healthwatch Sheffield as she believed that was a gap in LINk. Healthwatch Sheffield would play an important part in consultations around children and young people. The role of young carers also needed to be emphasised.

·         Healthwatch Sheffield’s involvement in the newly established Council Local Action Partnerships would be welcomed.

·         A discussion on home care and residential care would be welcomed.

·         Healthwatch Sheffield would be vital in encouraging people to seek self- help.

·         Work needed to be undertaken with children with specific needs and disabilities.

·         The priority around young people’s mental health was welcomed.

·         Healthwatch Sheffield should give consideration to people’s willingness to share information.

RESOLVED: That Jason Bennett and Pam Enderby be thanked for their presentation and the information be noted.