HEALTHWATCH Gloucestershire received high praise from health and social care regulator, CQC, last night at the Healthwatch AGM at the New County Hotel in Gloucester.

Over 70 people attended the event where Healthwatch highlighted some of its work over the last year and CQC lead inspector Mary Cridge talked about the recent inspection of the county’s main hospitals in Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Healthwatch provided essential patient and public feedback to support that process and Mary commented “Healthwatch Gloucestershire is a powerful voice for patients and influences the work of the CQC; it really knows its patch."

Prior to the inspections, CQC lead inspectors met with Healthwatch to discuss the patient feedback received over the past twelve months including areas of concern.

Feedback was provided on a department by department basis allowing effective planning and focus for the team before they made their visit.

Professor Sir Mike Richards, Chief Inspector of Hospitals said “I am particularly grateful to Healthwatch Gloucestershire for the information they provided and the support they gave in helping us to obtain the views of patients and the public.”

Healthwatch has gone from strength to strength over the past twelve months, collecting over 3,000 individual pieces of patient and public feedback and has a membership of over 900 individuals.

The annual report is available and can be found on the Healthwatch website at healthwatchgloucestershire.co.uk or in hard copy by calling the office on 0800 652 5193.