New partnership to improve local health and social care

According to a joint survey from CQC and NHWN, although nearly two thirds of NHWN members have heard of CQC, just half were aware they could report their concerns about a health or social care service to CQC to prevent poor care happening to others in future.

The partnership is part of CQC’s commitment to working together with national and local organisations to gather feedback from people who contact them about their experiences of care.

The Hampshire regional neighbourhood watch representative, Val McPherson, said: ‘We often speak to people who are worried about a neighbour’s situation as regards to health or social care, but aren’t sure who to approach about it.

‘We encourage anyone who has concerns about a neighbour’s care to contact CQC with their feedback – remember to contact the police first if you think someone is 
in danger.

‘It really can make a difference to people’s lives and to the overall care in your neighbourhood.’

NHWN chairman, Jim Maddan OBE, said: ‘We are proud to have so many community-spirited members who care about their neighbours. This extends far beyond reporting crime.

‘Sometimes our members want to raise concerns about other issues affecting the well-being of their neighbours, relatives and friends.

‘Health and social care is a particularly important area as people who access these services can be extremely vulnerable.

‘We want to make sure that our members know where and how they can report their concerns.’

The initial six-month partnership with Neighbourhood Watch is the latest in a number of other projects CQC has with national charities to gather feedback from people who contact them about their experiences of care.