Healthwatch

Service Description: In March 2012, the government introduced a new law (the Health & Social Care Act 2012) requiring each local authority area to set up a new organisation called Healthwatch by April 2013. This organisation replaces the Local Involvement Network (LINK).

Healthwatch Isle of Wight was established on 1 April 2013. It helps to provide information and advice to Islanders about health and social care services, signpost people to services, so they understand the choice of care available, and involve people to help improve and shape these services in the future.

Healthwatch Isle of Wight effectively acts as a consumer champion, making the views and experiences of the local community known to the people making decisions about these services, both locally and nationally.