“Getting feedback from people really works,” says Healthwatch Chief Executive Louise Ansari

August 30, 2024

Louise Ansari has been championing the health and welfare of local people in England since February 2022. On August 22nd 2024, she visited Healthwatch Lancashire and Healthwatch Blackburn and Darwen.

Image of Healthwatch Chief Executive Louise Ansari with members of Healthwatch Lancashire and People First
Healthwatch Chief Executive Louise Ansari with members of Healthwatch Lancashire and People First

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Louise had the opportunity to meet both teams and accompany them on two different types of engagement to hear from locals.

Our Healthwatch Lancashire team headed to Clitheroe market for a pop-up. This involved setting up our great banners and grabbing as many passersby as possible for a chat on a day when the heavens opened with a pretty intense downpour. This was a challenge at best!

Despite the weather, the team accompanied by Louise were able to have some valuable conversations with local residents about their access to healthcare services around the Ribble Valley area. The Clitheroe community welcomed us with open arms and shared their experiences using local health organisations.

A common theme was hospital transport through ambulance services and taxis, which some locals found particularly difficult. Local GP services and dentists received a large number of compliments on the day, particularly regarding the care people receive and continuity of care.

Louise had this to say about her visit:

“Just a short note to say thank you for such a well-thought through visit for me last week that I am still thinking about and will continue to mull over for months (at least!) to come. It was truly wonderful to meet you, your teams and volunteers, some of the people you support, and local stakeholders. I learnt a huge amount, not least about your personal commitment, professionalism, and care for your communities. I was so impressed, and really deeply touched by some of the stories I heard.

Thank you and thanks to your teams for doing such excellent jobs. It is hugely appreciated by me.” 

The Healthwatch Lancashire team with Healthwatch Chief Executive Louise Ansari at Clitheroe Market
The Healthwatch Lancashire team with Healthwatch Chief Executive Louise Ansari at Clitheroe Market.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day, both Healthwatch Lancashire and Healthwatch Blackburn and Darwen, and our fabulous volunteers, were invited to a Q&A session with Louise Ansari, joined by a wealth of organisations including;

Louise took centre stage and discussed the ongoing efforts and challenges faced by Healthwatch, and put a particular focus on the positive work we do for local communities. She declared that “Getting feedback from people really works.”

Louise started off the Q&A by first discussing some of the ongoing focuses of Healthwatch, and provided a real-life example of how easy it is to get information regarding healthcare from the everyday person. (Listen to the soundbite below)

 

 
The Q&A involved a discussion featuring various members from the charity People First, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Healthwatch. Several of our wonderful volunteers were also present.
 
During the session, Louise discussed budget and power hierarchy within the healthcare landscape. (Listen to the soundbite below)
 
 
 

“We must not feed the system, we have to be absolutely true, independent, speak truth to power, that is our legal and statutory power.”

Louise was also quizzed on the reluctance to change and faced the question, ‘Do we have the right people on the right boards?’ 
Frustration in the room came from some as it was pointed out that organisations like Healthwatch are continuing to make recommendations to those in power, yet nothing seems to change. 
 

 

 


All of the team at Healthwatch Lancashire would like to thank Louise Ansari for accompanying us on our engagement events and for her time during the insightful Q&A session. 


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