COUNCIL chiefs in Kirklees are on target to set up a new patients’ watchdog body.

Every local authority is required to create a Local Healthwatch organisation by April 2013. Healthwatch is a new patients’ champion for health and adult social care. As well as local bodies, there will be a national organisation Healthwatch England. They were created under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Local groups will have a seat on new health and well-being boards to ensure the views and experiences of patients and carers are taken into account. Local Healthwatch groups will be funded by local authorities and held to account by them for efficiency and effectiveness.

Kirklees Council has confirmed plans are on schedule for launch in April. The council is about to seek tenders from companies to take on the patient/public involvement functions. For NHS complaints advocacy Kirklees will join forces with Calderdale Council to find a suitable provider to cover both areas.