Meet the team responsible for delivering Healthwatch Staffordshire.
This group provides advice on:
- Healthwatch priorities
- The Enter and View programme to monitor the quality of care
- Identifying key public concerns
- Community engagement activity
They act as the voice of the people and make sure that Healthwatch Staffordshire adheres to the core principles of confidentiality, respect, feedback, transparency and influence.
Baz Tameez | Manager
Email: baz.tameez@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk
Baz is passionate about working with seldom heard communities such as homeless people, young care leavers and people from minority groups. Baz is responsible for the strategic focus and delivery of Healthwatch Staffordshire and has a degree in Law from
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Baz is passionate about working with seldom heard communities such as homeless people, young care leavers and people from minority groups. Baz is responsible for the strategic focus and delivery of Healthwatch Staffordshire and has a degree in Law from the university of Buckinghamshire. He has also completed various courses in mental health and working with young people. Baz has worked in the Health and Social Care field for over 20 years, including in prison services, homeless hostels and drug and alcohol services. Having worked with complex clients who are often neglected and can face barriers to accessing health and social care services, Baz is a constructive advocate about the importance of hearing the patient voice. Other projects undertaken by Baz and areas of interest are Hospital Discharges, GP access, Care Act Tool kits, and Housing and Prison discharges. Baz has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the VCSE sector and how bridging the VCSE and statutory health and social care services will improve the overall quality of services being offered to patients, carers and their families. less
Dave Bassett | Southeast Engagement Officer
Email: david.bassett@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk
Dave has been involved with Health and Social Care since 1972, working for Cumbria, Derbyshire and Staffordshire Social Services. He has also held senior management roles in the NHS in Leicestershire and North Staffordshire both as a provider and a
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Dave has been involved with Health and Social Care since 1972, working for Cumbria, Derbyshire and Staffordshire Social Services. He has also held senior management roles in the NHS in Leicestershire and North Staffordshire both as a provider and a commissioner. For the last few years he has worked in the voluntary and independent sectors in the West Midlands until retiring in the summer of 2018.
Previously Dave was Vice Chair of Staffordshire LINK, representing them as a non-voting member of Staffordshire County Council Health Scrutiny Committee and in meetings relating to changes to Stafford Hospital A&E. He has chaired his GP patient group and was an initial member of East Staffordshire CCG Patient Board. He is a Director of Burton and district Mind and a member of University of Derby and Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. His interests are in community health and care services for vulnerable adults and their interface with hospital services as well as patient and public involvement. He is also a season ticket holder at Leicester City.
Dave is our Community Outreach Lead for East Staffordshire.
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Emma Ford | North Engagement Officer
Email: emma.ford@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk
Emma has a law degree, legal practice certificate, and 15 years’ experience of working in the voluntary sector, including as a Volunteer Generalist Advisor at Stoke Citizen’s Advice Bureau (latterly specialising in Debt Work), and as the Media Bureau Co-ordinator
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Emma has a law degree, legal practice certificate, and 15 years’ experience of working in the voluntary sector, including as a Volunteer Generalist Advisor at Stoke Citizen’s Advice Bureau (latterly specialising in Debt Work), and as the Media Bureau Co-ordinator for a charity that combatted stigma against those experiencing mental ill health. For 10 years Emma was the Outreach & Engagement Officer for Stoke-on-Trent for the North Staffs Users Group, a charity that worked to improve mental health services.
Emma wants to use her skills, knowledge, and experience (both personal and professional) to work with the people of Newcastle and Staffordshire Moorlands to improve the health services they receive.
In her spare time, Emma likes running, having completed several half marathons and the London Marathon, and has recently started taking part in triathlons.
Emma is our Community Outreach Lead for Newcastle and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
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Claire Hill | Project Officer/Data Analyst
Email: claire.hill@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk
Claire completed degrees in Maths and Control Systems before starting her career working in Research with British Gas. She later moved to Lucas Aerospace to work in the I.T. Department supporting users in the business with software packages and
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Claire completed degrees in Maths and Control Systems before starting her career working in Research with British Gas. She later moved to Lucas Aerospace to work in the I.T. Department supporting users in the business with software packages and databases. After having children, Claire helped to start a small family business where she worked for eighteen years dealing with administration, bookkeeping and the website.
During this time, she also volunteered for school and community organisations. This included 18 months as a Digital Champion with ESCVS, training those with little experience in basic computer use and helping with I.T. Skills at local Work Clubs. More recently she trained and volunteered as a Peer Supporter for Together for Mental Wellbeing in East Staffordshire and has completed various courses with the MPFT Wellbeing and Recovery College. She enjoys knitting, sewing and craft.
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Daniela Ballantine | Southwest Engagement Officer
Email: daniela.ballantine@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk
Daniela has got twenty years’ experience in the education and social care sector/s combined. During this time, she has worked mainly as a Primary School Teacher and Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) Coordinator in schools, as well as a
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Daniela has got twenty years’ experience in the education and social care sector/s combined. During this time, she has worked mainly as a Primary School Teacher and Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) Coordinator in schools, as well as a Business Administrator within the Early Help Targeted Services of the Local Authority. Daniela has got a Degree in Education and an MBA master’s degree in business administration. She is also qualified in Information, Advice and Guidance and has successfully worked with young people, families and communities, on various public sector programmes and several VCSE initiatives, aimed at improving the lives of the service users and the wider population. While studying for her NNEB, Daniela was also involved in working as an educator and as a translator for ‘Save the Children’. Daniela is passionate about helping people with complex care and support needs, from a multitude of backgrounds. Now, she is proud to be a part of the Healthwatch team within ‘Support Staffordshire’, serving the local community.
In her free time, Daniela enjoys short-trips and sightseeing, exercising at Cannock Chase, reading, treasuring collectables, and looking after her rescued cat, Charlie.
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Christine Sherwood | Social Care Engagement Officer
Email: christine.sherwood@healthwatchstaffordshire.co.uk
I have 30 years’ experience of working in both Adult social care & Housing.
I have worked in both the Private and Public sectors & worked for the Local council for over 15 years. Several roles involved working with
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I have 30 years’ experience of working in both Adult social care & Housing.
I have worked in both the Private and Public sectors & worked for the Local council for over 15 years. Several roles involved working with People with care/support needs & Independent Living.
My passion is in supporting people with complex needs, mental health & Learning difficulties have their voices and opinions heard.
I have gained numerous qualifications along my journey including an ICQ Level 5 diploma in Leadership for Health & Social care, OCR NVQ Level 4 in Management, a couple of Level 3 certifications in Care and CIH Housing Practitioner to name a few.
Healthwatch is going to enable me to support the local community to be heard and to shape Social Care & Health with the data we collect.
I have raised money for local charity by completing a Sky Dive at the start of 2020 prior to the Covid pandemic starting.
I’d love to do some missionary work to support communities.
I enjoy travelling, being with my family & pets, attempting to keep fit & challenging myself to try something new each year.
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Elaine Day | Chair of Healthwatch Advisory Committee
Elaine has been associated with the Voluntary sector since retiring from Headship in a 3-11 Primary School, over 15 years ago. After a period of serious and challenging illness Elaine
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Elaine has been associated with the Voluntary sector since retiring from Headship in a 3-11 Primary School, over 15 years ago. After a period of serious and challenging illness Elaine volunteered at Queen's Hospital Burton for many years and was elected as a Governor there to represent the Volunteers. Her passion for the NHS has never faltered! After the 2018 merger with Royal Derby Hospital she continued this role at the larger trust. After a short break in this role Elaine returned as an Appointed Governor representing the VCS of both Derbyshire and Staffordshire. Elaine is passionate about Patient Advocacy and Patient Voice and has spoken many times nationally in this regard. Elaine is focussed on the Integrated Care System's potential development and its trickle down reach to the very grass roots of our citizens health and wellbeing with potential health inequalities being an acute interest alongside preventative initiatives. Elaine believes the independence of Healthwatch Staffordshire is central to seeking patient views and is honoured to be asked to Chair the Healthwatch Alliance in Staffordshire. less
Derek Hoey | Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member
Derek has been a volunteer with Healthwatch Staffordshire since 2014 and has fulfilled a number of roles including Enter and View; he was invited to join the Advisory Board in
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Derek has been a volunteer with Healthwatch Staffordshire since 2014 and has fulfilled a number of roles including Enter and View; he was invited to join the Advisory Board in 2019. Having had a career in marketing and research, Derek is keen to make a contribution through his analytical and planning skills. A resident of Tamworth, he is a strong supporter of the NHS and of the need for a strong and effective patient voice. less
Nikki Archer | Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member
I am delighted to be a trustee of Support Staffordshire and a board member of Healthwatch Staffordshire and hope that my experiences of working in the NHS, voluntary organisations and
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I am delighted to be a trustee of Support Staffordshire and a board member of Healthwatch Staffordshire and hope that my experiences of working in the NHS, voluntary organisations and private sector brings benefit to Support Staffordshire as an organisation and the wider community it serves.
Addressing inequality, challenging the status quo in the systems within which we live and work and exploring the art of what is possible for the better of our community, neighbours and the people who live in them are my drives. I am proud of my strong Staffordshire roots having been born and brought up in Tamworth and although I left for a few years, I returned ‘home’ over 25 years ago.
I am a qualified nurse and trained counsellor. I am passionate about partnership and relationship working. Having a professional background in HIV, end of life and bereavement care I worked at St Giles Hospice for over 20 years where I had responsibility for overseeing the organisations community development, and non ‘clinical’ partnership agenda. This work gave me the opportunity to forge strong links with colleagues across the local and national voluntary and community sectors. I now run my own consultancy business NAC working within the voluntary and healthcare sectors supporting organisations on several issues, including supporting those affected by death, dying and bereavement. I have also transferred my knowledge and experience into the commercial sector working as a business partner in a healthcare recruitment company.
I am also currently a student at Keele University, completing my Doctorate in Health Science, researching Bereavement Help Points as a community development and volunteer facilitated model of bereavement support within hospices.
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John Townsley | Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member
John has extensive knowledge and over 30 years’ experience of both commercial and statutory sectors and for 12 years prior to his retirement in 2005, was Business Information Officer in
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John has extensive knowledge and over 30 years’ experience of both commercial and statutory sectors and for 12 years prior to his retirement in 2005, was Business Information Officer in the Economic Development Division of Stockport Council.
With a wide range of experience of commercial operation and financial management John is action and results orientated and demonstrates an ability to develop relationships, networks and systems to achieve change.
His focus in Healthwatch is the interests of the older community; many older people either have no access to or struggle with modern online methods of communication which are becoming more and more commonplace in accessing healthcare.
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Ian North | Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member
Ian has extensive knowledge and experience of the private, voluntary and statutory sectors and has been the CEO of East Staffordshire Family Support Service – Harvey Girls – Dads4Dads
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Ian has extensive knowledge and experience of the private, voluntary and statutory sectors and has been the CEO of East Staffordshire Family Support Service – Harvey Girls – Dads4Dads for the last 14 years.
With a wide range of experience of strategic, operation and financial management and a clear understanding of housing and public policy issues, Ian is action and results orientated and demonstrates an ability to develop relationships, networks and systems to achieve change. He is passionate about making a difference to the lives of individuals, families and communities.
Ian also sits on the Board of a number of smaller charities and believes good governance should be at the heart of every well-run charity. He has held the Chair position at the following organisations:
West London YMCA , Homes for Northumberland; Three Valleys Housing in Derbyshire, and Trent and Dove Housing, based in Burton.
Ian was elected to the National Council of YMCAs’ Board of Trustees in 2016 - 2019 and in 2009 was Awarded the Housing Heroes Inspirational Board Member of the Year.
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Anna Mather | Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member
Hi, I'm Anna, and I am invested in people.
I started volunteering aged 12, starting with swimming with individuals who have physical impairments; Being a listener, trainer (in prisons)
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Hi, I'm Anna, and I am invested in people.
I started volunteering aged 12, starting with swimming with individuals who have physical impairments; Being a listener, trainer (in prisons) and part of the directors team with the Samaritans, and now at Healthwatch.
The opportunity of being a part of Healthwatch committee, means I can connect with likeminded individuals, who are equally as passionate, about everyone having the right to be a part of a community including having their wellbeing and health care needs met. We have such a fantastic and crucial role to highlight positive practice, as well as giving people opportunities to be heard in their local communities if they think improvements could be made.
I have my own lived experience of being impacted by poor mental health, receiving a diagnosis, being involved in services and the stigma that is attached. I try to use my experiences to connect with others, and open communication around mental health.
My work history highlights my passion for people; working in caring, supporting and advocating positions. In the last 10 years, I have worked with individuals who have multi and complex needs including homelessness, addiction, poor mental health, domestic violence and in the criminal justice system.
I am now the operational manager of a young person's service within a charity, accommodating and supporting care leavers, unaccompanied asylum seeking children and young people facing/suffering homelessness. For me this is valuable prevention by support our young people to overcome any barriers, achieve their dreams and build fulfilling lives.
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Sanjida Rahim | Healthwatch Advisory Committee Member
I’m Sanjida Rahim, I have vested interest in health and wellbeing. I describe myself as an expert by experience in mental health and trauma both. Currently I’m researching
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I’m Sanjida Rahim, I have vested interest in health and wellbeing. I describe myself as an expert by experience in mental health and trauma both. Currently I’m researching into experiences of refugees and asylum seekers from a variety of countries.
Having lived in Burton on Trent for nearly 44 years, I am still lobbying and fighting for better services for deprived communities in East Staff area. I have carried out research into the lives of deprived Burton communities in the past and reported the results back to the Staffs Health Authority back in 1990’s but in my experience things have taken the toll for worst instead of improving.
After my arrival back home from work and travel for many years abroad, I seeked to work once again with a voluntary organisation such as Support Staffs. Traditionally I’ve been working as an volunteer at board level of many organisations but to name but few are: Burton Community Development Project, Racial Equality Council, Staffs and Derbyshire Police, Education Departments and Social Services and a Parent and County Council governor.
During Civid, I supported many young people, adults and elderly remotely and I am still interested in researching in this area. One of things struck me was, the lack of coping mechanisms or lack of education and understanding on how to act upon advice from the professionals. Very simple things which we all take for granted were not understood by many community members and they didn’t receive timely support they needed such as a family of three/four children only had one mobile between them and this caused a lot of stress/mental health illness to the children and parents both.
At Support Staffordshire, I have met like minded professionals such as Garry Jones, the CEO who are trying to change this and when we were successful in funding for the Health Watch Programme, I put myself forward because amongst other things, the health of the people in my community is very close to my heart. I look forward to making a difference by working with Baz, the manager of Health Watch Project.
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