Sefton’s local NHS health and care consumer champion is looking to recruit a chairperson and is asking: “Do you share our passion to ensure people’s voices are heard by health and social care service providers and commissioners? If you do, then we want to hear from you!”

Healthwatch Sefton makes sure local people have a say in influencing the design and delivery of local health and care services for those who use them now and those who might need them in the future.

Diane Blair, manager of Healthwatch Sefton, explained: “There are changes happening within the NHS and these are having an impact locally. We are looking for a chairperson to lead us through these changes to ensure we carry out our aims for the benefit of Sefton residents.

“Our chairperson will champion the patient’s interests as well as influence decision makers and ensure our organisation is effective.”

The role requires knowledge of the health and social care system across Sefton and whoever is recruited will be expected to maintain strong working relationships with Sefton Council, NHS, the voluntary sector and will take a seat on the Sefton Health and Wellbeing Board.

This is an unpaid role which runs for three years but out-of-pocket expenses will be covered. There will also be access to office accommodation (Burlington House) and administrative support.

Maureen Kelly is the current chairperson and has served two terms in this role since Healthwatch Sefton was formed six years ago. During that time she has overseen its development including the launch of the two Community Champion Networks and Independent Complaints Advocacy service.

Anyone interested in the post can visit www.healthwatchsefton.co.uk for more details. For an informal chat, call Diane on 0151 920 0726 ext 236 or email: diane.blair@healthwatchsefton.co.uk. The deadline for applications is Monday 4 November 2019.