Last Friday Rebecca held a joint surgery with Dr Thomas Nutt of Healthwatch Essex, so constituents could share their experiences of health and social care in Essex.
Healthwatch is the new independent consumer champion created to gather and represent the views of the public. Healthwatch will play a role at both national and local level and will make sure that the views of the public and people who use services are taken into account.
Dr Thomas Nutt said: “It was great to join Rebecca Harris at her recent constituency surgery on Canvey Island. I think there is real potential for Healthwatch Essex to continue work with MPs in this way. We can help provide people with the information they need to understand and navigate their way through the sometimes complicated system of health and social care. And when people are happy to share their stories and lived experiences with us, we can also use this as evidence to help improve local services.”
One of those who came to the Healthwatch meeting was Caroline of The Mickey Payne Memorial Foundation who runs an excellent scheme called The Dementia Buddies that supports both patients and their families. As a patron of the Foundation Rebecca has seen first-hand how much she has accomplished over these two years.
Vicky Ford MEP also dropped in to find out more about this organisation and the hear more about the good work of Healthwatch Essex.
"I was really pleased to join Rebecca Harris MP on Canvey Island for her visit to Healthwatch Essex and to hear how they make sure decision makers really listen to the concerns of patients and users of care services. This means health services in Essex are better aligned with what people need. Rebecca is a great local champion who fights for her constituents."
Rebecca said:
“After meeting with Healthwatch in Parliament I saw how valuable this group could be to Castle Point. They are a vital signposting service through the often confusing jungle of Health and Social care services. It is important that more people in Castle Point know about this organisation”
If you would like to find out more about Healthwatch Essex please visit: www.healthwatchessex.org.uk