Healthwatch wins contract to give more people a voice on services

Healthwatch North Somerset is celebrating after winning the contract to cover Bristol and South Gloucestershire services too.

The new contract will start on October 1 and will mean Healthwatch can continue acting as a voice for residents about health and care services.

Healthwatch North Somerset's strategy manager, Rowan Williams, said: "We are delighted that we will soon be working across three Healthwatch areas and will widen our reach to cover Bristol and South Gloucestershire in addition to North Somerset."

The three services will not be merged and will retain their separate titles and their distinct identities.

There is a Healthwatch in every area in England and its purpose is to find out what people like about services and what could be improved.

Healthwatch has the power to make sure those in charge of health and social care services hear people's voices.