Two York voluntary organisations will help keep watch over health and social care standards in the city from April 2013.

York Council for Voluntary Service will set up the local branch of Healthwatch England, which will provide up-to-date information, advice and support about health care in the city and liaise with service users and local residents on how it can be improved.

York and District Mind will operate the NHS Complaints Advocacy Service for the city, which will give advice to any York resident who wants to make a complaint about NHS services or treatment. The two new organisations are part of the NHS shake-up which will see doctors taking over control of NHS budgets.

Coun Dafydd Williams, City of York Council’s cabinet member for crime and stronger communities, said: “We’re confident that our chosen providers have the skills and expertise to ensure these services become a real success and lead to genuine health and social care improvements, driven by local people.

“Appointing the providers now means that there is plenty of time to start planning a successful launch by April 2013.”