Volunteers awarded new health scrutiny contract

Voluntary Action Sheffield has been awarded a contract to scrutinise health and care services

A voluntary organisation in Sheffield will continue to scrutinise the city's health and care services after winning a new 10-year contract.

Voluntary Action Sheffield (VAS) said the extension of its Healthwatch Sheffield contract for another decade would give it "stability" to go on with its work.

Healthwatch lobbies on behalf of patients and the public for better health and social care services and regularly highlights key concerns and reports back to the NHS, Sheffield City Council and other organisations.

Healthwatch chief officer Lucy Davies said: “We firmly believe that if you listen to people’s views, and involve them in shaping services, those services will work more effectively."

She added: “Our focus has always been on people – their experiences, needs, and ideas for improvement.

"This long contract extension gives us stability to continue and deepen that work, particularly in communities where people have more difficulty getting the right care, and where health is poorer."

'Vital role'

VAS is a long-established charity supporting Sheffield’s voluntary and community sector, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Helen Sims, VAS chief executive officer, said: “We are thrilled to have been entrusted with the Healthwatch Sheffield contract for another decade.

"At VAS, our vision is for people in Sheffield to have the opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives, reach their potential, and thrive equally."

Councillor Angela Argenzio, chair of Sheffield City Council's adult health and social care committee, said: “Listening to the voices of local people is at the heart of what we do and Healthwatch Sheffield plays a vital role in representing them and being our critical friend.

“It brings the voices and views of people with lived experience together which is integral to helping us shape our services appropriately.

“There are challenges to overcome but working together with our partners like Healthwatch will ensure that we continue to make positive change."

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