REPRESENTING THE INTERESTS OF PATIENTS AND THE PUBLIC IN THE HEALTH SERVICE Daniel Price Deputy Chief Officer
What are we? Independent bodies established by parliament since 1974 following abuse at Ely Hospital Cardiff in the late 1960’s To represent the interests of the public in the health service This included the secondary care, primary care sectors, care homes and private hospitals taking NHS patients since 2004
Who are we? CHCs are the only statutory lay NHS Watchdog who are independent bodies in Wales A Board of Community Health Councils in Wales There are 7 CHCs in Wales co-terminus with the 7 Health Boards in Wales Each CHC has Local Committees based on the Local Authority boundaries
CHC Membership Each CHC has 12 members per Local Authority area: ¼ (3) from local authority ¼ (3) from voluntary organisations ½ (6) appointed by the Minister for Health and Social Services in Wales via the public appointments process Community Health Councils can also co-opt extra non-voting members for specific tasks as necessary
Our statutory responsibilities are To provide: a way for the public / patients to have your say about NHS services by systematic continuous engagement free independent advice about local health services provision of the complaints advocacy service – a free, independent and confidential service to keep under review the health service within its area
What powers do we have? We have the right to be consulted by the Health Boards on changes to health services CHCs shall meet regularly on a formal basis with the Health Boards at least quarterly Each CHC has the right to enter and inspect the premises of: NHS providers General Practices Hospitals Nursing / Residential Homes Ambulance Services We are entitled to received from the Health Boards the information needed to carry out our duties
Advocacy Service ? The advocacy service is based in each CHC area Advocates are qualified to City & Guilds level Advocates support clients with submitting a concern through the Putting things right process The advocates can deal with concerns from any of the NHS funded services Current caseload is approximately 120 live cases
We engage with the public We hold regular CHC Local Committee, Executive Committee and Full Council meetings some of which are open to the public We engage with the public through formal and informal engagement and consultation CHCs visit health premises providing NHS services and talk to patients We arrange Healthwatch meetings and user surveys CHCs work closely with the voluntary sector, carer and user groups, local MPs, AMs and councillors Write regular press releases
Why we visit NHS premises Gather information from patients / public Observe standards of care in particular dignity and respect Evaluate quality of the services from a patient / public view Check the level of patient / public satisfaction Undertake cleanliness audits Make announced or unannounced visits Encourage the spread of “best practices” through publication of our reports
Key Themes past 12 months: Day Room provision Maintenance issues Provision and usage of Hearing Loops Support Services - Therapies etc. Discharge and repatriation Facility Closures Infection and Control issues Accessibility – pull cords, signage etc. Bare below the elbow Staffing levels on Wards Patient Needs
Current Hot Topics Engagement on Mental Health Services for Older people Cross Border issues with AMB and Cwm Taf Health Boards Forthcoming engagement on : Ear Nose and Throat Acute Services. Major Trauma Network and Centres Acute Care Alliance Work streams
Building Relationships with your constituents and yourselves How can we work more effectively with you to hear your voice Example: Two way communication How can we ensure we hear the voice of your constituents Example Vale Healthwatch Group
How to find and contact us Mr Stephen Allen Chief Officer Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan CHC Unit 3 Pro Copy Business Centre Parc Ty Glas Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5DU Telephone: 029 20 750112 Email: CAVOG.chiefofficer@waleschc.org.uk Website: communityhealthcouncils.org.uk/cardiffandvale www.facebook.com/cavog.chc www.twitter.com/cavogchc
Thank you for listening Any questions?
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