Decision details

Melvyn Ingleson, Chair of Healthwatch Kirklees and Calderdale, reminded the Board that Healthwatch has a statutory function under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. He explained that its role extends beyond the Act, reaching deep into communities and amplifying the voices of those who are seldom heard.

He informed the Board that the NHS 10-year plan, sets out a new vision for giving power to the patient and enabling the public to shape services.  Alongside the 10-year plan, a report was also published by Dr Penny Dash, who is now the Chair of NHS England. 

The report was a comprehensive review of five patient safety bodies in England which included Healthwatch in terms of its role. This has led to a decision by the government to disband Healthwatch England, and to move its role as a national champion of the patient, into a department of patient experience within the Department of Health and Social Care. It has also led to a decision to remove the funding that is received from Local Government, to provide core funding to each local Healthwatch and to pass responsibility for communicating patient experience to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for health, and the responsibility for patient experience in social care to the local authority.

The Board was informed that the 10-year plan and the recommendations from the DASH review, will require enabling legislation. The challenge for Healthwatch will be maintaining the motivation of committed staff and volunteers until April 2027.  The issue for the Board is how it wishes to consider the role of the independent voice that is critical for service users moving forward, and in particular, it is critical for service users who are not confident with accessing or navigating the system.

The Board was informed that, as the landscape becomes clearer, the intention is to work collaboratively with partners to explore the future role of an independent patient voice. A paper may be brought in due course to reflect the continued importance of this function, which may or may not be delivered under the Healthwatch name. In addition, plans are being considered to convene a major forum in the New Year, aimed at understanding how the health and care system and the strong partnerships across West Yorkshire, particularly in Kirklees and Calderdale can work together to ensure that the independent voice of service users is preserved and strengthened.

Vicky Dutchburn, Interim Accountable Officer, Kirklees ICB, provided an update to the Board advising that the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) held a meeting earlier in the week, during which the importance of maintaining an independent voice for service users was discussed. She confirmed a continued commitment to joint working both at the West Yorkshire level and across local places with Healthwatch, ensuring that Healthwatch remains a key partner in shaping the future approach to patient and public involvement.

Ms Dutchburn raised an issue regarding the unrest currently being experienced across some communities, particularly in relation to incidents of racism. She emphasised that work is underway both at the West Yorkshire level and across local places, to reinforce the region’s commitment to anti-racism and its status as a place of sanctuary. She highlighted a series of videos and public commitments launched this week, aimed at demonstrating to patients, staff, and service users that these values are central to the work being carried out. The initiative seeks to ensure that communities feel supported and included, and that the health and care system reflects these principles in practice.

In addition, further work is taking place across staff networks and within communities to provide support and promote inclusion. A “We Stand Together” page has been created on the share board, offering a range of helpful resources for staff. A series of lunchtime webinars has been launched, providing a space for individuals to share their stories, and access signposting to relevant services. These initiatives aim to reinforce the region’s commitment to being a place of sanctuary and to supporting all members of the community.

Councillor Addy provided an update on the Kirklees Armed Forces Covenant, informing the Board that the covenant group had recently met for its first meeting since before the covid pandemic. The group now meets online, which has proven beneficial in enabling participation from members based across various locations to have discussion on a regular basis.

Cllr Addy informed the Board that, upon taking on her role, she advocated for at least one in-person meeting each year. As a result, a networking event was held yesterday, with approximately 45 participants. This event provided a valuable opportunity for connection and collaboration among members from across the region.  The event included representation from a wide range of organisations, including Luke’s Lads in Batley, Tommy’s in town, the Rural Veterans Hub, based near Denby Dale, and the newly established “The Served” in Slaithwaite. These groups engage with veterans and service users in an informal and socially supportive ways, contributing to a strong and inclusive network across the district. Representatives from the DWP, who have special service champions who work specifically with veterans were also in attendance.

Cllr Addy highlighted that Kirklees had recently been awarded the Gold Standard under the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. This recognition places Kirklees at the forefront of best practice in supporting members of the armed forces community, reflecting a strong commitment to inclusion and support.

RESOLVED

That Board members be thanked for providing updates.