Following a recent tender process, Dorset Council and BCP Council* have appointed Evolving Communities to provide Healthwatch services across the region from 1 April 2019.
The role of a local Healthwatch is to ensure the health and care system in the area meets the needs of the people who use it. Feedback is gathered from patients and their families on services such as GP surgeries, care homes, hospitals, mental health and social care.
These findings are then taken to the organisations which plan, pay for and deliver health and care services, so that changes can be made.
Ian Price, interim CEO of Evolving Communities, said:
“We are very proud of the quality of the Healthwatch services we run and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to also work with the people of Dorset under this new contract.
“We look forward to continuing to work with local people on the health and care issues which matter most to them and build on the excellent work already established in the county.”
A local office in Dorset will be opened this month. Contact details will remain the same.
Jan Thurgood, Corporate Director, Adult Social Care for BCP Council, said:
“We are pleased to be working with Evolving Communities, which has a strong track record of delivering effective Healthwatch Services in other South West authority areas. We are committed to working closely with Evolving Communities in order to continue to deliver a highly responsive service to all local residents.”
Mathew Kendall, Executive Director for People (Adults) at Dorset Council added:
“It’s important that our residents have a voice to influence and shape the services they use, to make sure they are provided to the highest standards. We look forward to continuing the great work that has been established in Dorset.”
*BCP Council covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.