Have your say on healthcare in Rugby at open meeting

The invitation comes from patient advocate group Healthwatch Warwickshire, which is hosting a series of public meetings gathering views and experiences on care and support received by consumers across the county.

Organisers are particularly keen to hear experiences good and bad in social care – whether in a care home or domiciliary care in a private home using an agency.

Chris Bain, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Warwickshire, said: “There is currently a culture of health and social care which needs to be challenged. Many people do not realise they have the right to challenge the opinions of the professionals if they disagree with them – for example, a diagnosis given by their doctor. It is all about empowering them and allowing them to be a partners in their own care, jointly making decisions with the professionals.

“Decisions or recommendations made on a patient’s behalf may not always be the best thing for that person. We know ourselves better than anyone and these workshops play a crucial role in an ongoing plan which aims to bring about cultural change and encourage patients to take more responsibility for their own treatments.”

The Rugby meeting will take place at the Benn Partnership Centre in Railway Terrace, Rugby, on Thursday, February 11 from 10am to 1pm. Lunch will also be provided.

Mr Bain said similar meetings recently hosted by Healthwatch Warwickshire in Bedworth, Stratford and Atherstone had uncovered some serious concerns in the standard of social care and he was particularly keen to hear from anyone in Rugby who had an experience of their own to share – whether in a care home or under the care of an agency.

He said: “The role of social care in our society is vital today, but will continue to become more important than ever as the population continues to grow and to age, and as people remain in their own homes for longer.

“We want to know how their experience of social care made them feel, did they feel respected and listened to when dealing with service providers, and did they feel in control?

“The views we gather at these meetings are vital in helping us to work with the professionals in shaping the future of these services so they meet the demands of our population in the future.”

To find out more about Healthwatch Warwickshire call 01926 422823 or log on to www.healthwatchwarwickshire.co.uk