Healthwatch Herefordshire has undergone a redesign to reflect new ways of working. The organisation is the independent consumer champion representing patient and service user voice for health and social care services in the County.

Healthwatch Herefordshire has registered as an independent organisation, where previously it was a service hosted by two Herefordshire voluntary organisations.

The new Healthwatch has three Directors: Ian Stead, Chair and Debra Tritton, both of whom were involved in the previous Healthwatch, as well as Gareth Blackett, who is involved in the local voluntary sector in Herefordshire.

Simon Adams, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Worcestershire, who has lived and worked in Herefordshire previously, is acting as a business advisor to the new Board, bringing extensive experience and expertise to the organisation.

In his new role as Chair, Ian Stead said: “I would like to express my thanks to the former Healthwatch Chair, Paul Deneen, and Board Members, for their work and tireless efforts in supporting Healthwatch Herefordshire over the past 4 years.”

Ian continued; “Going forward, the important thing to note for the people of Herefordshire is that under the new organisation, Healthwatch will continue working to gather the views of the public on Health and Social Care services, and champion patient voice to those who commission and deliver services.”

Paul Deneen, former Chair of Healthwatch Herefordshire, who is retiring from the position after four years said: “It was a great pleasure and privilege to have been appointed as the Independent Chair of Healthwatch Herefordshire in 2013. I have been most fortunate to have led a superb team of Board members, as well as receiving support from the excellent team of staff and volunteers.”

Mr Deneen added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to all those involved in the commissioning and providing of health and social care in Herefordshire. Huge thanks to all staff from the NHS, Herefordshire Council and the Voluntary Sector for their dedication, support and commitment in supporting patients, carers and their families.

“Healthwatch Herefordshire has been set up as a new company and I wish all involved every success for the future.”