Imelda Redmond CBE, the National Director of Healthwatch England, is set to leave her role after spending four years at the organisation.
Healthwatch England was established after the Health and Social Care bill passed through parliament in 2012. It aims to gather and champion the views of everyone who uses health and social care services, and to identify improvements and influence providers’ plans. In the four years Imelda has been National Director, she has overseen Healthwatch England’s refresh of its strategy, with an emphasis on addressing health inequalities.
Sir Robert Francis QC, Chair of Healthwatch, said: “Imelda has done an outstanding job transforming Healthwatch into a powerful and independent voice for patients and service users, with the ability to influence local and national policy alike. More people are coming forward to share their experiences of care with us and services are increasingly acting on what they say to make care better.
“With the constant pressures on our resources and the growing demand for our services, particularly as we move towards ICS’s being put on a statutory footing, Imelda has ensured that Healthwatch has continued to be there when it matters.
“I hope Healthwatch’s track record of championing patient voice across the country will inspire candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for the role. The new National Director will get the unique opportunity to empower more people to speak up about their care, champion improvements and make a real difference to the NHS and social care services communities receive.”
Immelda will remain in her role until a replacement is found. Applications for the role are now open and will close on 22 August 2021.
Imelda Redmond CBE said: “On a personal note I would like to thank all the brilliant people who make up Healthwatch, the Committee, the staff, the network and volunteers for their dedication in ensuring that patient voice is at the heart of health and social care services.
“It has been a privilege to work with so many compassionate and knowledgeable people on a daily basis. With the COVID-19 pandemic exposing existing health inequalities, particularly amongst many of our ethnic minority communities, our role to work towards more inclusive and equitable care is more important than ever.”
To find out more about the National Director role, click here.
