Agenda item

Reports attached from Andrew Griffiths Chief Operating Officer Healthwatch Bury

Andrew Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer of Healthwatch Bury, presented the Healthwatch annual report. He gave a brief overview highlighting major projects and positive outcomes delivered across the borough, including the Women’s Health Project, participation in the Greater Manchester Women’s Health Steering Group and extensive engagement with residents. Work has begun on planning for the 2025/26 report. The report demonstrated strong impact, and members noted that recent Government announcements had helped raise the profile of the service.

Members praised Healthwatch Bury for the quality of its work, describing it as an invaluable independent service. Its role as an independent voice for residents was highlighted, alongside linked work with Public Health, Children’s Watch and veterans. Members welcomed the ambition to ensure Healthwatch continues to grow and strengthen its impact over the year.

Cllr Pilkington raised concerns regarding financial pressures, including anxiety around expenses, historic under  and overspends, and the sustainability of funding. He asked what other options were being explored. Andrew Griffiths responded that much of the funding supports community engagement and gathering intelligence to inform services. He explained that funding levels have not changed for 13 years and are broadly in line with other Greater Manchester Healthwatch organisations. Work is ongoing with the VCFE sector to help sustain the service.

Cllr Pilkington asked how elected members could help. Andrew Griffiths encouraged councillors to support by promoting Healthwatch Bury and raising awareness of who they are and what they do. He noted that the office is open to the public three days a week and that many people approach Healthwatch as a last resort. Strong relationships have been developed to signpost residents appropriately, even where issues fall outside the statutory remit.

A case study was shared involving a resident needing a hip replacement, demonstrating how Healthwatch support helped the individual navigate the system and access the right services.

Cllr Southworth noted that awareness of Healthwatch varies across the borough, with some communities and older residents having little knowledge of the service. Andrew Griffiths confirmed that an action would be taken to ensure all methods of communication and engagement are explored.

Ben Dunne spoke about the importance of Healthwatch reaching everyone and maintaining its independent role across the ten boroughs, noting that there is strong support for continuing this independence.

Cllr FitzGerald highlighted Youthwatch work and referred to Healthwatch Bury’s proactive engagement at the Live Well event, thanking staff for attending events and engaging with a wide range of community groups. She expressed her passion for driving this work forward for the benefit of residents.

Will Blandamer thanked Andrew Griffiths for the report and recognised the strong partnership working with Healthwatch Bury. He praised the work around veterans and neurodiversity and described Healthwatch as a valued and important partner in listening to residents and delivering its core statutory duties.

Cllr Tariq acknowledged the strength of Healthwatch Bury’s annual report, its focus on equality and diversity, and engagement with women and young people. He noted the challenge of reaching as many demographics as possible and reiterated concerns that the service is significantly underfunded nationally, requiring changes in how delivery is managed.

Adrian Crook provided reassurance on funding, stating that Healthwatch Bury receives a central government Community Voices grant of £117,033, which has remained unchanged since inception. He highlighted the statutory duties attached to this funding and the significant risks associated with continued funding pressures going forward.

It Was Agreed:

·       The update be noted