Gloucestershire residents to have greater say on healthcare (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Gloucestershire residents to have greater say on healthcare thanks to Healthwatch Gloucestershire set up by Gloucestershire Rural Community Council

12:00pm Sunday 13th January 2013 in Cotswolds news By Ian Craig

RESIDENTS are set to have a greater say on health and care services in Gloucestershire.

A new independent organisation – Healthwatch Gloucestershire – which will work to shape how services are delivered across the county is due to be set up as part of national NHS reforms.

Gloucestershire Rural Community Council – an organisation providing support and advice to people across the county – has been contracted to set up the watchdog by Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet.

It will launch on April 1 and will work alongside Support, Empower, Advocate, Promote (SEAP), which will help people who want to make a complaint about the county’s health services.

GCC cabinet member for health and wellbeing Cllr Andrew Gravells (Con, Abbey) said he was confident both organisations would actively work to obtain views from across the county and especially those who struggle to make their voices heard.

“It will help councillors and other decision-makers by giving them a better knowledge and understanding of the views of people who are actually using these services,” he said.