He was just 14 years old when he was chosen as a St John’s Ambulance cadet to attend and help out at the Queen’s coronation. But 62 years later, in 2014, Harry received an MBE for New Year’s honours list for his charity and voluntary work.
Retired from the Research Department of BAT, Harry’s involvement with health and social care began in 2003, while he held a senior volunteer position in St John Ambulance. Following the Government’s introduction of the Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health (CPPIH), Harry was approached by Southampton City Primary Care Trust to establish and chair the local patient and public health forum. He then continued his involvement through chairing both the successor organisations (Southampton LINk and then Healthwatch Southampton).
Consequently he has extensive experience over the last 20 years, dealing with Health and Social Care authorities in Southampton, sitting on many Council and NHS committees. He has conducted inspections at all hospitals and investigated several Health and Social Care issues raised by the public resulting in improved facilities. He now acts as the Healthwatch lead with University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHT).
Harry’s major contribution over the years has been to take on the role of Critical Friend to local NHS Trusts and has developed strong relationships through regular dealings with senior staff in all trusts. Through his involvement, the overarching approach with commissioners and the Trusts has resulted in improved communication with patients and the public and for proper consultation to take place where possible.
His other work has included serving as a patient representative on recruitment panels for senior staff positions in local health Trusts, oversight of Healthwatch Southampton’s response to Quality Accounts produced by the Trusts, leadership and management of Healthwatch led PLACE assessments, which includes recruiting and supporting assessors as well as liaising with the Trusts on undertaking the assessments. As a result, significant improvements have been made by all Trusts, e.g. seating provided in long corridors, improved handrails, improvements to public toilets, etc.
Harry has facilitated discussion and resolution on issues such as local Trusts not issuing Do Not Attempt Resuscitation (DNAR) without proper consultation with the patient and/or relative, backlog of treatment for diabetic eye conditions and glaucoma, Eye Clinic Liaison officers (nursing staff trained for this role) to assist and advise patients, involvement of Healthwatch Southampton by Trusts when considering changes to services, consultation on forward planning of quality priorities, UHS policy to inform patients about waiting times and in co-operation with Let’s Loop, encouraging all Trusts to increase the availability of hearing loops in several locations.
Harry will continue his involvement in Healthwatch Southampton as a member and continue to lead on PLACE assessments. Healthwatch Southampton and Southampton Voluntary Services would like to place on record their gratitude for Harry’s enormous contribution to health and social care in the city over the last 20 years.