Healthwatch Conference highlights the network's achievements

The Healthwatch National Conference was held in London at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre.

It was a fantastic opportunity for us to network with other 152 local Healthwatch and listen to partners discuss their projects and what has worked well for them, what have been difficulties and future solutions. 

Moreover, some of the speakers were very engaging such as Professor David Croisdale-Appleby, the Healthwatch England Chair, who began conference by highlighting that he has been "stunned" by the network’s achievements based on his numerous visits to different Healthwatch. Referring to Healthwatch as a ‘movement’ for change, Professor Croisdale-Appleby also discussed the vital role Healthwatch plays in hearing patient voice as a catalyst for healthcare system change. 

Healthwatch England Chief Executive Louise Ansari noted how proud she is with the work of Healthwatch colleagues in striving to reduce health inequalities “day in, day out”. 

Another highlight was the enthralling panel discussion around the NHS 10-year plan for health care which is currently in the engagement phase of development, this was facilitated by Louise Ansari and involved Cheryl Tackie (Chair of Patient and Public Voice Forum, NHS England’s Cancer Programme), Dr Sarah Woolnough (Chief Executive of the King’s Fund) and Baroness Merron, government minister for patient safety, women’s health and mental health.  

Baroness Merron also stated in her keynote address, that “the NHS has suffered too long from politicians saying everything is okay, when it’s not okay.” She spoke about the significance of community engagement, stating “patient voices will be the cornerstones of these new foundations” and that healthcare professionals have a role in giving feedback as “NHS staff must feel empowered to talk about problems”.