A NEW provider for health and social care services is set to be launched.

Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh will be formed by Wigan Borough Community Partnership and be running from Monday, April 1.

Healthwatch is a national independent champion for people who use health and social care services.

Its organisations listen to what people say about services and influence improvements in the way they are delivered.

It can also provide patients, carers and families with information regarding their rights and health choices.

The new provider is looking to hear what health and social care issues are important to residents.

In April and May it will be visiting venues to hear what people think about services. This will help to shape its plans in the next year.

Trevor Barton MBE, chair of the Wigan Borough Community Partnership said: “We are excited about the future of Healthwatch. Over the next couple of months they’d love to hear from as many local people as possible to gather views on local services which will help shape the plan for the borough.”

Healthwatch works closely with providers such as Wigan Council, Wigan Borough Clinical Commissioning Group and Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.

Deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet member for health and social care, Cllr Keith Cunliffe, said: “We’re looking forward to working with Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh to hear what matters most to residents and will use their feedback to improve local services.”

In 2016, Healthwatch Bolton won the contract for Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh but it has now expired.

For more information visit healthwatch.co.uk.