Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chair of Healthwatch City of London.

The Board noted the Healthwatch City of London annual report and noted that Healthwatch City of London had been extremely busy meeting with statutory

organisations, voluntary groups, schools and residents groups in accessible venues all across the square mile to gather the views and experiences of a wide range of people living and working in the City. Officers had been able to introduce people to

Healthwatch City of London and let them know what Healthwatch were all about and how they were relevant to them at a number of information events, open days, residents’ days and community venues. Information stands, discussion groups, talks at existing group meetings, workshops and focus groups had all been used to make sure Healthwatch reach as many people as possible. During this first year Officers focused on engaging with a number of different groups, which were ‘seldom heard’,

for example, older people and ethnic minority groups.

Officers were working to enable the views of people at both ends of the age spectrum to be fully represented in the work and Healthwatch were part of

both the Adults’ and Children’s Safeguarding Boards in the City.

Officers assured Members that the pharmacy located in Islington which was widely used by residents of the Barbican would be included in future consultations and within annual reports.

Members discussed the possibility of using ‘non-clinical navigators’ for patients who did not wish to discuss their health issue with their GP but would rather seek advice from their pharmacist or another outlet. Officers informed Members that this proposal was being investigated at the moment.

Officers meet with older peoples’ groups, including the Barbican, Golden Lane and Middlesex Street Estate residents’ groups, which represent a number of the older people resident in the City. This enabled Healthwatch to represent their views and also feedback on the outcomes of discussions with commissioners and service providers.