The members of Eastern Cheshire Community HealthVoice last week elected new officers to lead the body in its next stage of development. Trevor Lerman, of Wilmslow was appointed Chair and Charlotte Peters-Rock from Allostock was appointed Vice Chair.
Eastern Cheshire Community HealthVoice is an independent body and advisory committee to the Governing Body of NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Its membership comprises representatives of key agencies and community sector organisations that support or work on behalf of the public, patients and carers throughout Eastern Cheshire, as well as patient representatives from GP Practices throughout the area.
Incoming Chair Trevor Lerman said "I am delighted to be elected to lead HealthVoice at this challenging time for health and care services. The move towards integrating care through the work of the Caring Together Programme is a major step forward towards improving the quality of services for people in Eastern Cheshire - and it is vital that the voice of local people is strongly heard to help influence this important development.
"We are fortunate in Eastern Cheshire that we have a CCG, and their Governing Body, totally committed to complete inclusivity and transparency. This results in the Patient Voice being heard and more importantly listened to.
"I look forward to working with the members of HealthVoice to ensure the voice of the people of Eastern Cheshire continues to be heard and has a greater role in helping to shape local services to meet our needs. I encourage all those who share this thought to get involved and become part of the voice for health in Eastern Cheshire."
Dr Paul Bowen, GP and Chair of the CCG said "HealthVoice has quietly but effectively developed key influence on the way the CCG operates. I hope, and think, that the passion and ideas that Trevor and Charlotte will bring will move the groups agenda and role forward significantly."
He added "Roger Farbrother and Jacquie Grinham, the outgoing Chair and Vice Chair, should be thanked and congratulated for the fantastic job of pioneering and developing HealthVoice to its current form".
Further information can be found on the Eastern Cheshire Community HealthVoice website.
