Healthwatch Brighton & Hove has announced that Geoffrey Bowden has been appointed Chair of the “independent champion for people who use health and social care services in the city”.
Geoffrey is a longstanding Director of the Board, having been with Healthwatch since 2015. He currently Chairs and is a Director for a number of local charities and voluntary organisations as well as being a local broadcaster for Radio Reverb. Geoffrey is also a former City Councillor.
Geoffrey Bowden, Chair of Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, said: “It is an honour to have been asked to Chair Healthwatch Brighton & Hove. The voice of people and communities is central to the planning and delivering of local health and care services.
“At a time when many of those services and their excellent staff are challenged by the legacy of Covid, coupled with long waiting lists and some services more difficult to access, the need for Healthwatch has probably never been more acute.
“My aim will be to ensure that we continue to review and challenge to ensure improved care for local people. We will work in partnership with local Healthwatch teams, health and care services and the newly formed Integrated Care Service for Sussex to ensure that the voice of patients is at the heart of service design and delivery.
“We will provide evidence based reports and give praise where it is deserved. But we will also act on our statutory duty to hold decision makers to account and make sure they keep their promises to local people.”
Geoffrey was appointed the Interim Chair after Frances McCabe stepped down in February. He was formally invited to accept the permanent role of Chair at a Healthwatch Brighton & Hove Board meeting on August 8, 2022.
David Liley, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, added: “As a Board Director, and now Chair, Geoffrey has offered great guidance and advice. Geoffrey is popular with our volunteers, Board and staff and holds the respect of many of our city leaders for his role in working to improve local services.
“Welcome on-board Geoffrey, I know you will be a great inspiration as Chair.”
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