Ilkley health watchdog appointed (From Wharfedale Observer)

Ilkley health watchdog appointed

1:00pm Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Local news

Ilkley and Keighley's support agency for voluntary groups has been appointed the official watchdog for the district's health services.

Keighley and Ilkley Voluntary and Community Action (KIVCA) has been awarded the contract to provide Healthwatch Bradford.

Healthwatch aims to give people and communities a stronger voice in influencing and challenging health and social care services.

It will also help people find the information they need to make choices about about health and social care services.

KIVCA, based at Central Hall in Keighley, has for the past five years run Healthwatch's predecessor, the Local Involvement Network (LINk).

KIVCA also operates former Ilkley Community for Voluntary Service (ICVS) services.

Caroline Schwaller, chief executive of Kivca, said she was delighted to have been given the opportunity to build on the successful work of the LINk.

She said: “We are keen to ensure people from all communities, ages and backgrounds are involved and able to improve health and social care services in Bradford and Airedale.

"Healthwatch brings significant responsibilities.”

Bradford Council awarded Kivca the contract to run Healthwatch Bradford, along with contracts to Bradford and Airedale Mental Health Advocacy Group and Choice Advocacy to run the new Bradford Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service.