CHANGES in the law by the Government mean new health watchdog organisations will be established from April.

A report for Kirklees Council’s Wellbeing and Communities Scrutiny Panel on January 15 says Healthwatch will be the new consumer champion for both health and social care.

It says: “Local Healthwatch will be an independent organisation, able to employ its own staff and volunteers, so it can become the influential and effective voice of the public.

“It will have to keep accounts and make its annual reports available to the public.

“The aim of Local Healthwatch will be to give citizens and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality.”

The provider of the patient/public involvement functions of Healthwatch will be a consortium of local organisations led by Kirklees Citizens Advice, which won a tender exercise.