Mystery surrounds the resignation of the entire board of a healthcare group.
The chairman and board members of the Healthwatch Southend’s advisory group stood down en-masse in January, it has been revealed but the reasons have not been disclosed.
The organisation scrutinises health and social care provision in the borough and gives advice on a range of health issues. It is run by Family Action but is funded by Southend Council. In 2019/20, the council gave the group, which has five staff and nine volunteers, £119,095
Nine board members were present at the group’s last meeting in October last year but the board has not held a meeting since.
Amy Brooke, Deputy Director for Services and Innovation, Southern Region refused to give a reason for the board’s resignation but she said: “We are in the process of appointing a new chair and members to the Advisory Group for Healthwatch Southend and are looking forward to announcing our new appointees in the near future.
“The purpose of the Advisory Group is to help set our long term strategic direction whereas the oversight of Healthwatch Southend has always been and will continue to be done by the management structure within Family Action. Our signposting and advice service is unaffected by the absence of an Advisory Group.”
Freddie Dawkins, former chairman of the advisory group declined to comment. Southend Council also declined to give a reason for the resignations. A spokesman said: “Healthwatch is commissioned and funded by the council, but they are an independent organisation designed to assist residents who use health and social care services and help make sure their views shape the support they need.
“In Southend, Healthwatch is provided by Family Action, who were appointed following a tendering process. Family Action informed the council about the resignation of members of the advisory group and following the advice from the national Healthwatch body, the council is working with Family Action to support their plans to recruit new members and chair of the advisory group.”
To join the Advisory Group and Healthwatch Southend visit https://www.healthwatchsouthend.co.uk/ , email info@healthwatchsouthend.co.uk or call 01702 416320.
Resignations - Healthwatch Southend
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