It starts with you campaign

Healthwatch #ItStartsWithYou campaign launches in County Durham – what health or social care change do YOU want to spark?
 
Healthwatch County Durham is launching a campaign to encourage people across the region to help make health and social care better by sharing their experiences of services. The #ItStartsWithYou campaign encourages people to have their say and help spark improvements and changes to services that will benefit their communities in the future. Now in its second year, every Healthwatch organisation across the country is involved, generating a massive energy for change.

Tony Bentley is one of those who shared their experiences with the Healthwatch County Durham team last year and, as a result, people across the area are now benefiting from clearer information about local care homes online. Tony had struggled to find the information he needed when searching for a care home for his mother. Several websites exist that list services, including providers own sites, but details of CQC ratings, fees, and even of what services homes provided were not always accessible.

Tony’s experience sparked more research. Now, thanks to Tony and other research volunteers, all care homes with a contract with the county council have to provide key information on the Durham County Council “Locate” website.  The public now have more information about the homes available, which helps them make more informed decisions. Tony also helped to develop a best practice website for providers, so they can learn how to improve their own websites. Following this success, Tony has been nominated for a national Healthwatch award – and it all snowballed from sharing his personal experience.

You could make a difference too. Share your experiences with Healthwatch County Durham at healthwatchcountydurham@pcp.uk.net or by calling 0800 304 7039. Remember – it starts with you!

#ItStartsWithYou

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