ANYONE who has concerns (Letters, June 12) regarding Healthwatch has the opportunity, like all of us, to raise his views and comments at public meetings of the Acute Trust Board, the Clinical Commissioning Group Board, the County Council Health and Well Being Committee and Healthwatch itself.

They could join and would be most welcome at any number of public/voluntary interest groups that we have within the county.

Healthwatch, by statute, is an open, transparent, independent champion of Users and Carers of Health and Social Care Services, it is a consumer- based organisation that signposts and supports our views and concerns. It has to represent all 500,000- plus of us. The Acute Services Review will impact on all of us so the views of those south and west of the county matter as much as those in the north.

Healthwatch must and does, to my knowledge, maintain that integrity and representation across all these geographical boundaries. It is also not just about cuts or closures but quite significant changes to where and what services are to be delivered. It is complex, controversial and needs careful examination of the facts and consequences.

The recently published Independent Clinical Report outlines a possible future plan of action. We are currently awaiting the outcome of the three internal ‘clinical task and finish groups’ which run and are owned by clinical and medical staff.

We await reports on transport and the crucial financial analysis on what is going to be proposed.

There is an independent Engagement and Communication Group that involves all community, patient public, interested pressure groups and district councils.

Healthwatch is involved in all these meetings and regularly reports back to its membership group and to the many Joint Consultative Groups we have in the county.

I have been to several public meetings where this report back has been informative, inclusive and giving a clear message of needing to protect services.

It will be the Clinical Commissioning Groups and I guess, behind the scenes, NHS England who will publish the formal public consultation proposals (they are still aiming for September, I understand).

The public will then have their say. Healthwatch’s job is to be our eyes and ears, to speak up, to ensure this complex process is open and transparent. They seem to be making a pretty good job of it so far!

Sheila Neary Hanbury Road Droitwich Spa