MEET KGH'S GOVERNORS: Find out more about Healthwatch's role from governor

One of KGH's governors has explained more about the role of Healthwatch which is designed to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services.

The governors at KGH have teamed up with the Northants Telegraph to give our readers an insight into their role and the work they do.

Wendy Patel, nominated governor at Kettering General Hospital Trust representing Healthwatch, has written the latest in a series of pieces about the governors which we will be bringing to you in the coming weeks.

This article about Healthwatch is the second in a series of three.

Wendy told the Northants Telegraph: "Healthwatch Northamptonshire provides information and advice to the public about accessing health, well-being and social care services and share the views and experiences of people in Northamptonshire with Healthwatch England so they can champion the needs of people nationally.

"Healthwatch Northamptonshire has a small office team and a team of volunteers who have varied experience and who gather, listen, and represent the views and experiences of local people ensuring that the voice of local people is heard at every opportunity.

"Healthwatch has the statutory right to ‘enter and view’ any health and social care establishment to observe the quality of services and patient experiences and work closely with Kettering Hospital where volunteers:

- Carry out ‘Fifteen Steps Challenge’ (an assessment tool that focuses on seeing care through a patient or carer's eyes)

- Are involved in various steering committees and the patient experience team

- Work as governors

"Healthwatch volunteers receive training for the work they carry out, which is varied and dependant on how much they wish to be involved."

To learn more about Healthwatch or volunteer to join click here.

To read the first piece by Wendy about Healthwatch, click here.

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