Our response to recent news of closure

These changes will take time to implement, and we await further context and timelines with the publication of the NHS 10-year plan.

We have always worked hard to champion the patient and public voice on health and care issues and ensure that it is central to decision making. We have concerns whether the voices of patients and the public will be truly heard, listened to and acted upon going forwards.

Despite working with limited resources, we have achieved so much and have consistently delivered impactful work. We are incredibly proud of what we have delivered this past year, and our annual report (launched today) highlights just how much we have achieved, and the real difference we have made.

Highlights include:

• 2,400 people shared their experiences of health and social care services with us, helping to raise awareness of issues and to improve care.
• 390 people came to us for clear advice and information on topics such as finding an NHS dentist and support with accessing GP services.
• We published 5 reports about the feedback people have given us in.  Our most popular reports were our Enter and View Report from the Community Diagnostic Centre and our Adult Social Care Feedback Report.

We had hoped to publish and announce our annual report as something to celebrate, rather than in the shadow of the recent news, however, we hope you enjoy reading it and share the joy in our achievements.

For the moment, we will continue as usual – your independent champion for health and social care in Barnsley.