Healthwatch Kent Big Red Bus gathers views from the people of Dartford on local health & social care services

Healthwatch Kent today welcomed scores of visitors to their Big Red Bus in Dartford, to have their experiences of local health and social care services heard and recorded.

The independent voice for patients and social care users, Healthwatch Kent was supported by the Mayor & Mayoress of Dartford as part of a high profile tour of the county to both raise awareness of the not-for-profit organisation and gather data which will be used to improve health and social care across the region.

Dartford was the tenth stop for the mobile campaign which pit-stops in every Kent district between 8^th – 14^th June. In addition to sharing their views, visitors to the vintage bus on Dartford High Street learnt about Healthwatch Kent’s current projects, such as a report into the issues faced by mental health carers, improving access to services on behalf of the Eastern European population of East Kent, and the organisation’s free helpline and signposting service.

Chief Executive, Healthwatch Kent, Steve Inett says, “We had a fantastic response to our vintage Big Bus in Dartford today. We want more people to know who we are and what we do which is why it was brilliant to meet so many people in Dartford today. Healthwatch Kent is committed to championing the views of patients and social care users across Kent so we can help to improve existing services and help shape those of the future.

“So many people stopped to share their experiences of local health & social care services. We’ve heard about the good and the not so good too and we will be sharing that with the people who provide and commission those services to ensure they improve. We are on the road until Sunday 14^th June and hope to see more of you on board the Healthwatch Kent Big Bus.”

Anyone unable to attend in person can call the free Information and Signposting Service on 0808 801 0102 or emailinfo@healthwatchkent.co.uk. Healthwatch Kent is also represented at Citizen Advice Bureaux countywide.

For press enquiries contact Nicky Scott at Nicky@healthwatchkent.co.uk or call 07702 911 144.