Director of the UK Branch of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Andrew Barnett, has been appointed to the committee of Healthwatch England to help represent the views of patients, care users and the public at a national level.

Andrew is one of six new committee members joining Healthwatch England, and will be looking to build on the strong foundations laid by the outgoing members who have seen the Healthwatch network through its first year.

The new appointees bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience across a variety of sectors, with two external members and four selected from the 148 local Healthwatch who understand the challenges faced by local Healthwatch in driving change at a local level.

Speaking on his appointment Andrew said:

“It’s a great honour to be able to help ensure that our huge and complex health and social care systems meet the needs of their users and most especially those who are disadvantaged including particularly people with complex needs and the increasing numbers of elderly. This is not just about addressing shortcomings but sharing good practice and identifying next practice that meets people’s needs.”

Anna Bradley, Chair of Healthwatch England, said:

“Andrew has been an advocate for the rights of consumers across a variety of sectors and brings with him a wealth of experience in helping people get the quality of service they deserve.

“Combined with his knowledge of health and social care through his work with the UK’s leading drug and alcohol charity, he will be huge asset to the Healthwatch England committee in helping to drive change in health and social care at a national level.”