Volunteers sought by health watchdog in Telford
A health watchdog has won a contract to continue its work in Telford and Wrekin – and volunteers are now being sought to help shape the future of services in the borough.
Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin gathers views on health and social care services and can make recommendations to organisations on ways they can improve.
The team engages with people at events, undertakes surveys and gathers feedback by conducting ‘enter and view’ visits with NHS trusts, local authorities and people providing health services.
The visits are not inspections but allow the team to observe how services are run and speak to people using them.
Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin also offers information about services and helps with research.
Chairwoman Gill Stewart has welcomed the opportunity to continue the watchdog’s work.
She said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue our work in ensuring health and social care services supporting Telford and Wrekin residents are listening and effectively responding to the voices of local people.”
Volunteers are being sought to become health champions and help carry out the work, with training given.
People can offer a small amount of their time or choose to volunteer for a few days a week.
Volunteers can help gather views, carry out surveys, give out information, support enter and view teams with their visits or represent Healthwatch at meetings.
A team of volunteers will be gathering views on health and care services, bad or good, at Telford’s Princess Royal Hospital on February 2.
They will be at the corner desk between 9am and midday.
They will also be in the atrium at PRH’s woman and children’s unit between 10am and 2pm on February 8.
Alternatively, feedback on services can be left on Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin’s website at www.healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk
Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin, which is entirely separate to the NHS, is based at Meeting Point House in Telford town centre.
Anyone interested in volunteering should visit https://www.healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk/get-involved/volunteering/
For more information, call 01952 739540.
