Healthwatch County Durham Annual Report 2021/2022

Welcome to our annual report, highlighting the work we have been carrying out on your behalf this year. This report shows the difference your contributions can make.We have seen the successful COVID-19 vaccination programme rolled out across the country. We know getting back to normal is taking time, but it has been the better year we hoped for in our report last year.

I would to thank the Healthwatch team, who despite having staffing challenges,continued to support the community. We are working together to deliver our priorities for the coming year.

We will be reaching out into communities to meet people and hear your views. We want to involve you in planning our work to make sure our reports are clear and relevant. We would welcome your views about how we can improve our partnerships and look forward to hearing from you in the coming year.

There are big changes coming to the organisation of the health and care this year with the introduction of the Integrated Care System in July. We are working closely with local Healthwatch across the region, to make sure we continue to share what matters to you. We will continue to work with commissioners and service providers as your critical friend.

Watch out for our video diaries, social media updates and our gazebo which will be appearing in locations near you. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading this report and thank you for your continued support.

Chris Cunnington-Shore
Healthwatch County Durham Chair