Agenda item

The meeting received a presentation on the Healthwatch Annual Report for 2015/16, highlighting in particular the signposting and engagement work undertaken with people who use health and social care services and the impact that Healthwatch had been able to achieve on their behalf. The presentation made reference to the impact of Healthwatch in the specific area of services for people with hearing impairment or deafness, and highlighted the work in collecting and sharing the views of service users.

The presentation went on to set out the next steps for Healthwatch Barnsley, in particular to promote its activities and raise its profile, to expand the programme of outreach and promotion with health and social care front line staff, to continue the development of Healthwatch Champions, and provide opportunities to engage with members of the public.  It was also intended to embed the feedback centre monitoring reports in its communication activities and to seek opportunities with its remit to bid for local/regional contracts.  Specific priorities for 2016/17, based on the outcome the reflective audit and the comments collected over the last 12 months, would be the completion of work on access to general practice and CAMHS, and to continue to work with the Deaf Forum regarding access to Assessment and Care Management Services and to work with the Mental Health Crisis Care Concordat.

The meeting discussed the content of the annual report, and Members expressed their appreciation of the work done by Healthwatch volunteers.  The Board reflected on the importance of the insights provided by Healthwatch in relation to specific services, and the need for agencies to respond promptly to any observations made.

RESOLVED:-

(i)     that the Healthwatch Barnsley Annual Report for 2015/16 be received and arrangements be made to share this with respective organisations;

(ii)    that the proposed activities and priorities for 2016/17 be noted and the Senior Strategic Development Group support these activities by responding promptly to any queries or recommendations made by Healthwatch;

(iii)  that the Board place on record its appreciation to Healthwatch members, volunteers and staff for their work over the past year.