THE KINGS FUND
The King's Fund is a think tank, which is involved with work relating to the health and social care system in England. It produces research and analysis, offers leadership and organisational development support, and organises many events.
History
The King's Fund was formed in 1897 as an initiative of the then Prince of Wales to allow for the collection and distribution of funds in support of the hospitals of London. Its initial purpose was to raise money for London's voluntary hospitals, which at that time offered the only health services available to poor people in the capital.
In 1902, the Prince of Wales Hospital Fund for London was renamed the King Edward's Hospital Fund for London following the Prince's accession to the throne. In 1907, the King Edward's Hospital Fund for London was incorporated under the same name by an Act of Parliament. It began to extend its activities, starting to inspect hospitals, and encouraging a more rational distribution of health services across the growing expanse of the city. It took on responsibility for an emergency beds service and encouraged hospitals to open pay beds as a means of raising extra income.
The King's Fund also began to develop the wider influencing role that remains a key feature of how the organisation works today. The establishment of the NHS in 1948 – a national, tax-funded service open to all on the basis of need – inevitably led to a reappraisal of The King's Fund's charitable role, and opened up the possibility of new directions for its work. As a consequence, the foundation began to focus its expertise and resources on developing good practice in the NHS,
The present day
So, for over a century, The King’s Fund has worked to improve people’s health and care. In an ever-changing world, their independence and expertise remain at the heart of what they do. In working to secure better health and care for all, these qualities enable the organisation to play a special role in shaping policy, developing effective practice, and supporting individuals and organisations. They are able to exercise influence at all levels – from national policy-makers, to frontline staff -delivering care across the whole system, in primary care, in hospitals and in the community.
Over the next five years they hope to achieve the biggest impact by using their independent voice to help tackle the thorniest questions facing our health and care system. The intention is to do this through research, analysis and insight; leadership and organisational development with health and care leaders; convening and facilitating events; and partnering with others.
For more information see their website
Healthwatch - your national health and social care champion.
As an independent statutory body, Healthwatch has the power to make sure that NHS Leaders and other decision makers hear the patient voice and use your feedback to improve services
If you use health services or need care, be it GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services they will want to hear about your experiences, AND they have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to your feedback and improve standards of care.
Last year, across England, Healthwatch helped over a million people like you to have your say and get the support you need.
You can make a difference.
Share your views on health or social care services. Tell them what works and what needs improvement.
As well as conducting specific pieces of research, Healthwatch uses your feedback to better understand the challenges facing the NHS and other care providers nationally, to make sure your experiences improve health and care services for everyone. They can also be relies on to help you to get the information and advice you need to make the right decisions for you and to get the support you deserve.
It’s really important that you share your experiences – whether good or bad, happy or sad. If you’ve had a negative experience, it’s easy to think there’s no point in complaining and that ‘nothing ever changes’. Or, if you’ve had a great experience, that you ‘wish you could say thank you’. Remember, your feedback is helping to improve people’s lives. So if you need advice or are ready to tell your story –Healthwatch is there to listen.
Your local Healthwatch
Wherever you live in England, you’ll have a local Healthwatch nearby (there are over 150 across the country). They are there to listen to the issues that really matter to local communities and to hear about your experiences of using health and social care services. Healthwatch is entirely independent and impartial, and any information you share is confidential.
Your local Healthwatch is making a difference in your community. They work closely with partners and stakeholder organisations, eg in Hertfordshire – these include voluntary and community organisations, as well as health and social care regulators, commissioners and providers.
Currently, funding for local Healthwatch is from two sources. The first is from DHSC through the Local Reform and Community Voices grant. The second is through the local government finance settlement, overseen by MHCLG (The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) The amount given to local Healthwatch offices is determined by each local authority.
The link below will take you to the Healthwatch national website. From there you will be able to find your local Healthwatch organisation and navigate to their dedicated website to find out all about what is going on locally to you, and to see all the reports that have been produced with contributions from your local community