The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings
The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings
The development of Local Healthwatch in Kent Part one: key findings
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Th<strong>in</strong>gs that were likely to damage the credibility <strong>of</strong> K LHW <strong>in</strong>cluded:<br />
• A narrow focus on s<strong>in</strong>gle issues<br />
• Be<strong>in</strong>g dom<strong>in</strong>ated by personal issues or agendas<br />
• A lack <strong>of</strong> evidence<br />
• Weak or distant relationships with commissi<strong>one</strong>rs and decision makers<br />
• Failure to follow up or feedback on work<br />
• Unrepresentativeness<br />
• Tokenism<br />
<strong>Part</strong>icipants were able to identify a range <strong>of</strong> barriers that would need to be<br />
overcome to ensure K LHW is successful. <strong>The</strong>mes <strong>in</strong>cluded:<br />
• How local people may perceive K LHW <strong>in</strong> relation to previous health and<br />
social care engagement <strong>in</strong>itiatives such as LINks and Community Health<br />
Councils. <strong>The</strong>y may have particular associations with these groups and<br />
may question the longevity <strong>of</strong> this new organisation<br />
• <strong>The</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong> the health and social care systems<br />
• <strong>The</strong> challenge <strong>of</strong> work<strong>in</strong>g at a local level across a county with the scale and<br />
complexity <strong>of</strong> <strong>Kent</strong><br />
• <strong>The</strong> pace <strong>of</strong> change<br />
<strong>Local</strong> expectations for K LHW are high amongst <strong>in</strong>formed stakeholders.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y recognise that the transition to K LHW provides an opportunity to stop<br />
and reflect on learn<strong>in</strong>g around public engagement and apply this to the new<br />
organisation. It is important that the <strong>development</strong> process and the early<br />
months <strong>of</strong> K LHW activity delivers concrete evidence <strong>of</strong> the potential <strong>of</strong> the<br />
local organisation. Clear communications and def<strong>in</strong>itions <strong>of</strong> role, purpose and<br />
priorities are essential to properly manage expectations.<br />
18<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>development</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Healthwatch</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Kent</strong>: assess<strong>in</strong>g read<strong>in</strong>ess for <strong>Local</strong> <strong>Healthwatch</strong>