The provision of Healthwatch Oldham and NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service

To deliver a Healthwatch Service in Oldham and an NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service.

Healthwatch is an independent national champion for people who use health and social care services.

The health and social care reforms of 2012 set a powerful ambition to put people at the centre of health and social care. Healthwatch is here to help make this happen.

There is a local Healthwatch is every area of England. Healthwatch has a purpose of speaking to people to gather views and understand what they think of local services, and Healthwatch then shares this information with those in charge of local health and care services. Local Healthwatch also share people's experiences with Healthwatch England, so that issues affecting people across the country can be identified and inform wider changes to services.

The National Health Service (NHS) works hard to treat everyone properly and promptly. Most people using the NHS are happy with their treatment, but sometimes things can go wrong. By people raising concerns they help put things right for others and the NHS can learn from experiences.

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 requires local authorities to make arrangements for the provision of independent advocacy to people who wish to make a complaint about the NHS service.

Independent Health Complaints Advocacy is a free, independent advocacy service that can help people make a complaint about any aspect of NHS care or treatment. This includes treatment received in a private hospital or care home that is funded by the NHS.

The service will provide support to people who want to make a complaint about the NHS, and need some support to do this. Support may range from receiving a self-help pack, information and options, to support from an advocate, depending on an individual's needs.

Each Local Healthwatch works in a different part of England, with its own challenges and priorities. However, there are specific activities that all Healthwatch are required to deliver and many share areas of common work.