Agenda item

Report attached from Andrew Griffiths Chief Operating Officer Healthwatch Bury

Andrew Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer of Healthwatch Bury, provided an update confirming that funding for Healthwatch has been extended for a further 12 months, enabling continued delivery of core services. He reported that Healthwatch remains fully engaged with local groups, continues to operate its drop?in office for walk?in support, and is progressing several ongoing projects. These include the prostate cancer pathway project, examining experiences from diagnosis through to aftercare, and the recently completed review of A&E at Fairfield Hospital. He emphasised that this work is being undertaken independent of current news coverage and reaffirmed Healthwatch’s commitment to young people through Youth Watch, as well as ongoing engagement with the veterans community.

Members raised several observations. Cllr Duncalfe noted that the stoma prescribing service has moved to Salford. Cllr K. Simpson highlighted the expansion of engagement following the veterans conference and stressed the ambition for Healthwatch to be visible across all communities. Andrew reported he had been approached by a naval veteran and is exploring stronger links with HMS Eaglet, suggesting that work through the Valour Centre may need to expand into a larger regional offer. He confirmed discussions with Army HQ in Bury to maximise available spaces for veteran initiatives. Cllr S. Jones supported greater collaboration with both Army and Navy services, while Cllr K. Simpson expressed a preference for smaller, localised Valour Centres.

Cllr Tariq advised that initial engagement work had already begun through Cllr Walmsley, though full details were not yet available. The committee agreed to formally write to Cllr Walmsley and Chris Woodhouse to explore a joint Greater Manchester bid for a North Manchester Valour Centre. This will be pursued at the appropriate locality level. Cllr Tariq also thanked Healthwatch for its ongoing work, particularly in understanding patient experiences during a challenging period, and noted the positive impact of work around neurological needs. He encouraged elected members to amplify this work and continue raising issues through ICB channels, particularly given workforce pressures.

Cllr Boles asked how Healthwatch manages public expectations when passing on feedback, querying whether additional context is provided where certain issues fall outside Healthwatch’s remit. Andrew advised he could not give a definitive answer at present but would take this away and provide a more detailed response. Cllr FitzGerald queried arrangements around survey and complaints handling. In response, Will Blandamer highlighted that Healthwatch recommendations are taken seriously, referencing examples (including the report at page 40) demonstrating how services respond, interview relevant teams, and evidence outcomes. He noted Healthwatch’s strength in prioritisation and effective feedback.

A further question from Cllr Boles addressed inconsistent access to GP services and whether poor administration across practices in Bury contributed to this. Jon Hobday explained that triangulation of qualitative data with wider system information helps determine whether issues are isolated or reflect a broader trend. Will Blandamer added that Healthwatch had supported a focus group on GP administration, and the committee requested further detail on sample size and triangulation. This will be brought back as an action.

Cllr FitzGerald sought clarity on the goals of Youth Watch. Andrew explained that the intention is to use Healthwatch’s statutory powers to strengthen engagement with young people, including links to neurodiversity hubs, upcoming consultations, GP service feedback, and targeted outreach through social media and gaming communities. He noted the model is based partly on work undertaken by another regional Healthwatch. An action was noted to outline the benefits and future development of Youth Watch.

Finally, Cllr FitzGerald asked whether Healthwatch had insight for the NCA Committee on cancellations of operations and appointments. Andrew acknowledged this would require further detail, and Adrian Crook noted that ongoing GP practice surveys would support better understanding. Issues raised included the practicality of new GP contract requirements, such as half?day sessions.

It Was Agreed:

·       Write again to Cllr Walmsley and Chris Woodhouse

·       Set out how triangulation will inform future reports

·       Bring insight for NCA regarding operation cancellations