Healthwatch Northamptonshire receives commendations at national award ceremony

The work of a University of Northampton supported health and social care body stood out against 152 other organisations during a national awards ceremony.

Healthwatch Northamptonshire received two commendations and an award win at the annual Healthwatch Network Awards, held recently.

The award win was for ‘Helping people have their say’ for the work they have done helping over 500 new parents share their views and experiences of local maternity services.

The commendations were for their work with Young Healthwatch in the volunteering category and their volunteer Sandra Bell’s work raising the issues around access to health and social care services for those with a hearing impairment in the #ItStartsWithYou category.

Healthwatch works to help local people get the best out of their local health and social care services by listening to their views and opinions on how those services could be changed.

It ensures this feedback is represented at a local and national level, with the ultimate aim being to influence how they are delivered. The University of Northampton has a 50 per cent share in Healthwatch Northamptonshire.

Kate Holt, CEO of Healthwatch Northamptonshire said “It was with immense pride that I accepted the awards on behalf of our small team of dedicated staff and hardworking volunteers. We continually struggle with resources locally but this is national recognition for the work we do ensuring the voices of local people are in heard in Northamptonshire”.

Dr David N Jones, Chair of Healthwatch Northamptonshire said “Thank you to all the volunteers and staff of Healthwatch Northamptonshire, these three awards reflect your daily commitment to making things better for people who use health and social care services in Northamptonshire. This is a proud moment in difficult times!”