CEO's blog: Laying foundations what comes next
In recent weeks, I’ve joined several key conversations aimed at strengthening health and care services in our city. The future of Healthwatch Milton Keynes is uncertain, and our role as your representative in all things health and social care is time limited. So these opportunities are crucial.
They enable us to influence the foundations - using your insights - of the future of local health and care services. At a roundtable with all three of our local MPs this week, I sat alongside leaders from MK Community Foundation, BID Services, and the Ukraine Appeal MK. Together, we raised concerns about persistent inequalities in health and the need for care that reflects the diversity of our communities - for service users and staff. I also flagged the risks of “digital-first” NHS reforms, and the importance of government leadership to support services to meet Accessible Information Standards, so no one is excluded.
I met with Robin Porter, who was recently named Chair of the new Integrated Care Board which will cover Milton Keynes alongside Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire. Robin expressed support for our continued involvement in shaping neighbourhood health services. While our time is limited, we’re working to ensure community voices still have influence in whatever functions replace us.
And at the Bletchley Pathfinder celebration, I saw how local organisations—from schools to emergency services—are already collaborating to bring care closer to home. It was a reminder that real change happens when people, services and communities work together, not just when systems and structures are reformed.
Whilst the benefits and risks of the NHS 10-year plan continue to be debated, we've noted significant support for the unmatched role that we have in championing patient voices. There is real concern at how patient voices will be heard once the Government's plans to abolish Healthwatch come into fruition.
We’re doing all we can, now, to ensure your voices remain part of the conversation. To help us do this, we're asking for your feedback in our MK Health Check In survey. Please do take part if you can.
