Local Healthwatch
Welcome and Introduction from Parkwood Healthcare
Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed Tony Hewitt, Director of Parkwood Healthcare, and Claire Davis, Operations Manager, to the meeting. Tony and Claire gave the following report:-
- The company’s head office was in Lancashire and had been involved in the healthcare market for the last 15 years
- Parkwood had won a number of Healthwatch contracts including Doncaster
- The contract had been signed and a social enterprise established in Rotherham to operate in the Borough
- Interviews had taken place and hoped to appoint a Healthwatch Manager very shortly. A Chairperson and a Board of Directors would be next
- An interviewing panel had been confirmed for the recruitment of the Chairperson. The advert would be explicit that the role was different to that of the Trust and LiNK
- Hoped to be located in the town centre
- Bespoke company database which would be developed and used to collate evidence and undertake research and able to produce a number reports
- In the interim, a Healthwatch service was still provided through the website, e-mail and telephone as well as ongoing work with the PALS Team and Advocacy provider to ensure a seamless transition
It was noted that there had been no TUPE issues as the staff had all secured other employment.
There was a position on the Health and Wellbeing Board for the Chair of Healthwatch once elected. It was suggested that Claire Davies act as representative until such an appointment had been made.
Resolved:- (1) That the report be noted.
(2) That Claire Davies, Operations Manager, represent Rotherham Healthwatch on the Health and Wellbeing Board until a Chairperson had been appointed.