Healthwatch North East & North Cumbria Celebrate 10 Years!
On 8 March, 14 local Healthwatch came together to celebrate its 10th birthday. The local Healthwatch work collectively across the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System (NENC ICS) region to add value and service user voice to the changing health and care landscape.
Staff past and present, Board members, volunteers and partner organisations came together to share in the success that Healthwatch has achieved to date.
What an incredible way to mark 10 years of Healthwatch in the region. It was a privilege to be invited to join in. I am as ever blown away by the passion, dedication, and talent of Healthwatch volunteers, boards and staff members. People working within limited resources to create real changes in people’s lives. This Healthwatch region has moved deftly towards becoming a truly effective collaborative in a way other regions have struggled to do. It was clear to me how the Healthwatch is valued by the ICB, providers and partners. Personally, this is my home region, where I started my own Healthwatch journey, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far you have all come in the last decade. I look forward to seeing what the next decade brings.
Since the commencement of Healthwatch there has been a strong commitment to ensure that the voice of service users and the public remains embedded in the decision-making process of health and care services, championing the views of those that access services to ensure service delivery and changes made promote the best wellbeing outcomes for individuals, carers and families.
As Integrated Care Systems (ICS) begin to take shape it is recognised that only through partnership working, meaningful engagement and combined resources will we make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing, and care of the communities we represent.
Thank you so much North East. What a fabulous day, well done to you all. You have set the standard for celebrations and collaboration nationally. I heard some interesting conversations throughout the day and during the networking session and am looking forward to the implementation of ideas we should take forward as a region.
The event provided an opportunity for reflection of the journey of Healthwatch so far. The trials and tribulations, the growth, the changes and more importantly the successes that demonstrated the passion that remains with us on our journey to change.
Throughout the day guest speakers spoke of their own experience and involvement with Healthwatch and shared their vision and hopes for the future.
Downloads
To read an overview of the event and additional feedback from the delegates on achievements and plans for the future, please download the summary report below.
Featured at the event were videos from YouthWatch Tees Valley and Tees, Esk & Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV).
You can watch the videos below:
