THE new head of a Dorset health watchdog says she wants to ‘drive positive change’ to care provisions by exposing the experiences of patients.

Joyce Guest, who was previously a corporate director at North Dorset District Council, has been appointed chair of Healthwatch Dorset at a time when issues surrounding health services and social care are being put under heavy scrutiny ahead of this May’s General Election.

An independent consumer champion, Healthwatch Dorset was launched in 2013 as a joint venture between charities Help and Care, Citizens Advice and the Race Equality Council.

Ms Guest said the volunteer-run organisation, based in Christchurch Road in Boscombe, can provide a voice to those dissatisfied with their care and pass on feedback to providers.

“If you’re seriously ill you don’t feel in a position to complain. You may not feel comfortable with what is happening but that is where our role lies.

“People can come to us – maybe you can’t tell your GP, but you can tell us.”

Ms Guest said it is care for the elderly that is most in need of change.

“One of Healthwatch’s priorities at the moment is to get more feedback from people receiving care in their own homes,” she added.

“Wherever you go now you see adverts for care workers and this is an area I am concerned about – making sure there is a proper career path for people going into the caring profession, similar to those going into nursing.”

This month the Care Quality Commission issued guidance condoning the use of hidden cameras in care homes. Asked whether she approved of such surveillance, she said: “It’s a difficult one because you need to think about the people working in the homes too.

“I just think relatives should be more aware of what is going on and look at what is happening themselves.

“I know they can’t be there 24 hours a day but it’s just a matter of understanding what should be provided and what the quality of the care should look like.”

She added: “I think that Healthwatch’s role has got to be around educating the public.”

Contact Healthwatch Dorset, on 0300 1110102, email enquiries@healthwatchdorset.co.uk or visit healthwatchdorset.co.uk

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Ms Guest said she believes stigma still surrounds mental health problems, adding: “It’s an illness like any other illness.

“I think a lot of older people think ‘pull yourself together, get a job’ and don’t really understand what is happening to that individual.

“Our role is educating and raising the profile of how difficult it can be for people with a mental health problem.

“People often don’t declare a problem so it’s hugely under the surface. We need to hear about their experiences so we can report back to the providers.”