Agenda item

5.1      Tony Nickson (Director, Voluntary Action Lewisham) introduced the report; the following key points were noted:

·         This was the second annual report from Healthwatch Lewisham.

·         It had been a busy year. Healthwatch had provided views on health and social care services – as well as signposting and support for members of the public.

·         There were some examples and case studies of actions carried out by Healthwatch in the report.

·         The report followed the format set out by Healthwatch England.

·         Lewisham Healthwatch had transferred to Healthwatch Bromley – to become Healthwatch Bromley and Lewisham as part of a successful re-tendering.

5.2      Linda Gabriel (Chair of Bromley and Lewisham Healthwatch) addressed the Committee; the following key points were noted:

·         The take-over of Lewisham Healthwatch functions had been successful.

·         The new organisation was keen to build on the successes of Healthwatch Lewisham.

·         Bromley and Lewisham Healthwatch had been working successfully to engage with communities in both boroughs.

·         Lewisham’s recently appointed community engagement worker had been visiting organisations across Lewisham and had worked made links with a range of groups, including the Clinical Commissioning Group. Healthwatch was currently involved in the ‘your voice counts’ consultation on the South East London Strategy.

·         Healthwatch would also have a presence at Lewisham People’s Day.

·         One particular area of focus in the coming months would be the mental health of children and young people.

·         Bromley and Lewisham Healthwatch had good governance arrangements in place. Representatives from Lewisham and Bromley were on the board of the charity.

·         Each borough also had a sub-committee to oversee its work plan.

5.3      Linda Gabriel (Chair, Bromley and Lewisham Healthwatch) responded to questions from the Committee, the following key points were noted:

·         Healthwatch was an organisation which would speak for everyone who used healthcare services, whether they were described as service users, as consumers or as patients.

·         The report followed the guidelines provided by Healthwatch England.

·         The Board of Healthwatch comprised of ordinary people. There were no ‘vested private interests’ involved.

·         Bromley and Lewisham Healthwatch was keen to be involved in community activities.

·         The differences between the populations of Bromley and Lewisham provided an exciting challenge – and provided opportunities for each borough to learn from each other’s good practice.

·         The boroughs had some different demographics (such as the age profile) but Healthwatch intended to use its experience to build on good work in the other.

·         Healthwatch was represented on a number of boards and groups – and used its experience with the community to develop and enrich the process of engagement.

·         The joint commissioning arrangements for Bromley and Lewisham Healthwatch were unique in the country – and were being watched closely by Healthwatch England.

·         It was assumed that there would be some cost savings to be made through the sharing of services, but it was the first year of the arrangement, so further work would need to take place to determine how much those savings would be.

·         Some monies from Healthwatch Lewisham had been returned to the Council from last year and some had been transferred to B&L Healthwatch.

5.4      Tony Nickson (Director, Voluntary Action Lewisham) responded to a question about the discontinuation of VAL’s hosting of Healthwatch. The following key points were noted:

·         VAL had hosted Healthwatch for two busy and successful years.

·         The Board of VAL recognised the need to reorganise its operations and retain its core focus.

·         Part of VAL’s purpose was to initiate new projects, this had happened – and VAL believed that it was important to let organisations develop their own identities so the Board chose not to take up the option of a contract extension for a third year.

5.5      Aileen Buckton (Executive Director for Community Services) responded to a question on the funding provided to run Healthwatch, the following key points were noted:

·         Funding for Healthwatch was provided by the general fund, but it was not ring-fenced.

·         Government indicated the amount it believed should be spent on commissioning Healthwatch services.

5.6      Resolved: to note the report.