Healthwatch Rochdale to resume signposting surgeries across the borough

Healthwatch Rochdale are resuming their Information, Advice & Signposting (IAS) surgeries to give residents the chance to speak face-to-face following the pandemic.

Due to the pandemic surgeries have taken place periodically over the last two years, following government guidelines.

Now, the surgeries are able to take place every month at various locations across Rochdale.

The surgeries provide an opportunity for Rochdale residents to share their experience of using local health and social care services.

They also provide residents with information to make informed decisions about the services on offer.

Kate Jones, Healthwatch Rochdale chief executive officer, said: “We have continued to listen to what local people have told us during the pandemic and the Healthwatch team have worked hard to make sure local people’s voices continue to be heard.

“Due to government guidelines we have had to work remotely but are aware that there are members of the community who prefer to speak with us face to face.

“We are so delighted that we are once again able to resume our Information, Advice & Signposting surgeries and speak in person with our residents.”

The IAS surgeries offer:

• A free, friendly, and confidential service that is independent from the NHS and social care services.
• Perform as a signposting role. They will give you the contact details for a range of services that best supports your request.
• Information about where to get help in relation to your health, social care and wellbeing needs.
• Information on NHS and social care services across the Rochdale borough.
• Information about what to do when things go wrong, and you require assistance with making a complaint.

Dates and times of the surgeries can be found on the vents section of the Healthwatch website: www.healthwatchrochdale.org.uk.