HEALTHWATCH York will launch a new awards scheme – the Making a Difference Awards – at its annual meeting on Tuesday.

The new awards recognise excellence in health and social care services and are nominated by members of the public through the Healthwatch York Feedback Centre (http://www.healthwatchyork.co.uk/services/).

The new feedback service, which launched in January 2015, allows people to rate the service out of five stars and leave comments to explain why the service is good or bad.

Siân Balsom, Healthwatch York manager, said: “Often when people think of feedback, they think about negative things and how things could and should be better. We’re delighted that the Healthwatch York Feedback Centre is giving people the opportunity to give praise where it is due and that our new Making a Difference Awards will go one step further and make that recognition public.

“Improving health and social care services in our city is as much learning about things that work and sharing best practice as it is about addressing issues raised. I am delighted that our annual meeting this year will share and celebrate what is working in our city. It’s vital to recognise some of the excellent work that people do day in and day out to make our health and care services the best they can be for everyone.”

The Making a Difference Awards will be presented as part of the Healthwatch York annual meeting at 10am – 3pm on Tuesday at Priory Street Centre. The event is free to attend and places can be booked by emailing healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk or phoning 01904 621133.