Local consumer champions Healthwatch Dorset have been shortlisted for a national award that celebrates the difference local Healthwatch have made to health and social care in the past year. Shortlisted from over 120 entries, Healthwatch Dorset has been shortlisted for its work in engaging and involving people from different backgrounds, seldom heard groups and those who experience accessibility issues.
Joyce Guest, Chair of Healthwatch Dorset, said: “We’re delighted to have our work recognised nationally in this way.
Our innovative Community Investment Projects are one way in which we team up with local community groups across the county, both to support the great work they do and also to enable us to hear the views and experiences of people we might otherwise not reach. This year we’re supporting groups working with children with learning disabilities, adults with sight loss & people who are homeless, amongst many others. It’s great to receive this kind of recognition and we’re very proud of the Healthwatch Dorset team.”
The final winner will be announced on 9th June at the annual National Healthwatch Conference, being held this year in Nottingham.
Jane Mordue, Interim Chair of Healthwatch England, said: “We were really impressed with this year’s awards entrants. The wide range of submissions, and the strength of those shortlisted, is testament to how the Healthwatch network is using people’s voices to make a difference to health and social care services. “All of the submissions were of a very high standard, and I’d like to thank all who took part. I look forward to congratulating the winners on the 9th June!”
Louise Bate
