Jayne Marshall, Community Care Lead Commissioner introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health, which detailed the proposed recommission of the Wirral Local Healthwatch and the Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service.

The report outlined the statutory requirement for Local Authorities to contract the provision of a local Healthwatch service, which went live in Wirral in April 2013 and extended to 2020. The Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service had been transferred to the incumbent Healthwatch provider in April 2018 and it was intended that this service would be recommissioned in conjunction with the main Heathwatch commission.

Members discussed the financial arrangements for funding the local Healthwatch service and the services provided for that cost.

Resolved – That

1.  the progression of the tendering of the Local Healthwatch and Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Services be approved.

2.  delegated authority be given to the Director of Care and Health to award the tender of the Local Healthwatch contract to the successful bidder.