PATIENTS will have a “new voice” thanks to a new health watchdog in Bolton.

Healthwatch Bolton, is based in St George’s Road, and is an independent body and consumer champion, which was created by the government’s Health and Social Care Bill.

Jack Firth, the, chair of Healthwatch, said their role would be to ensure health care providers and comm-issioners will stick to their word.

Mr Firth, a former trade union representative, said: “Our role is to make sure that the commissioners and providers of health and social care in Bolton do what they say that they are doing.

“We also need to make sure every patient’s voice is heard and that we repr-esent their views. We have got good links with Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Clinical Commiss-ioning Group and Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

“If a patient or carer has something to say about a service, we can go to that service and inform them what’s being said. If they have a complaint, we can signpost them to the right place or if need be go to the trust’s board of directors.”

Healthwatch, which is funded by the government, will replace the now redun-dant watchdog LINks and will be officially launched next Monday.

The group, made up of eight volunteers, has the power to carry out so-called “enter and view” inspe-ctions at doctors, dentists and care homes.

Mr Firth, aged 70, says Healthwatch will also guide patients through changes to the NHS.

He added: “It’s important that patients understand what’s going on with health and social care in Bolton. We only know as much as everybody else does.”

All patients, carers or anyone with an interest in health are being invited to the launch of Healthwatch which takes place next Monday, 1pm to 6pm at St George’s House in St Geo-rge’s Road in Bolton town centre.

For more information call 01204 394603.