INDEPENDENT health champions Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton have announced new joint leadership appointments.
Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton have appointed Lydia Hughes as Joint Chief Executive Officer and Norman Holding as Joint Chair, marking an exciting new chapter for the two organisations as they continue to champion the voices of local people and drive improvements across health and social care services.
The appointments reflect a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration across Warrington and Halton, ensuring residents have a powerful and independent voice in shaping the services they rely on.
As Joint Chief Executive Officer, Lydia Hughes will lead both Healthwatch organisations, working closely with local communities, partners and stakeholders to ensure people’s experiences are at the heart of decision-making. Lydia brings extensive experience in leadership, community engagement and partnership working, with a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for local residents.
Lydia said:“I am honoured to take on the role of Joint Chief Executive Officer for Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton. Both organisations play a vital role in ensuring that local people’s voices are heard and acted upon. I look forward to working with our dedicated teams, volunteers, partners and communities to strengthen our impact and help shape health and care services that truly meet the needs of local people.”
Joining Lydia in the new leadership structure, Norman Holding has been appointed as Joint Chair of Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton. Norman brings a wealth of experience in governance, strategic leadership and community advocacy. In his role, he will provide oversight and support to ensure both organisations continue to deliver effective, independent representation for residents across Warrington and Halton.
Norman said: “I am delighted to be appointed Joint Chair of Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton. Healthwatch has a unique and important role in ensuring the views and experiences of local people influence the development and delivery of health and social care services. I look forward to working alongside Lydia, our boards, staff and volunteers to build on the excellent work already taking place across both areas.”
Simon Fogel, Group CEO for ECS, said: “We are pleased to welcome Lydia Hughes as Joint Chief Executive Officer and Norman Holding as Joint Chair. Together they bring a combination of strategic vision, leadership and community focus that will help ensure Healthwatch remains a trusted and influential voice for local people. We are confident their appointments will support the continued growth and success of both local organisations within the ECS family of Healthwatch contracted services.”
Healthwatch Warrington and Healthwatch Halton remain committed to listening to local people, gathering insight on their experiences of health and social care services, and ensuring those views help shape better services for everyone.
Healthwatch is the independent champion for people using health and social care services. It listens to the experiences of local people, helps them find information and advice, and works with service providers and decision-makers to improve care and outcomes across communities.
