A NEW organisation to give East Riding residents their say on health and social care, will be launched in April.

Healthwatch is an independent watchdog introduced by the Government at national and local level, to give patients and the public a say over how their local health and social care services are run.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has awarded the contract for the new organisation to Meeting New Horizons, a community interest company owned by Hull Council For Voluntary Services.

Coun Jonathan Owen, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s deputy leader and chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “The creation of Healthwatch East Riding of Yorkshire will help children, young people and adults to be able to influence and improve local health and social care services.

“Healthwatch will have an operational base in the East Riding and staff and volunteers will spend considerable time working within communities.”

To find out more or to get involved with Healthwatch, phone Angela Ward, Healthwatch Commissioning Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, on 01482 391492, or email angela.ward@eastriding.gov.uk