Have your say on a local Healthwatch Service

West Northamptonshire Council is inviting residents to share their views on the development of a local Healthwatch service.  

Healthwatch is an independent consumer champion for people who use health and social care services in the local area. Its job is to ensure local voices are heard and people’s views and experiences are used to improve existing services and to help shape services. Where issues are identified, Healthwatch will ensure that the NHS, local authorities and other decision makers listen and use feedback to improve local health and care services.  

Healthwatch’s role includes gathering residents' opinions on their experiences with healthcare and social care services, identifying areas needing improvement, and working with authorities to implement changes.  

Currently, our Healthwatch service operates across North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. This model has been in place since 2013 and its current contract ends 31 March 2025.  

From April 2025, West Northamptonshire Council will commission its own local Healthwatch to represent the residents of West Northamptonshire, providing a more localised service.  

To help with this, the Council are seeking resident views to help develop a new Healthwatch service tailored to the specific needs of West Northamptonshire. The council aims to create a service that truly reflects the local community's requirements. 

By engaging in the survey, residents can help shape a Healthwatch that is representative of the local context, which will support in better health outcomes and service delivery in West Northamptonshire.  

Residents can participate in the survey, which is open until June 16, 2024. 

For more information and to participate in the survey, visit the West Northamptonshire Council's Citizen Space page.