It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our former Chair of Healthwatch Southampton, Harry Dymond MBE.
Harry was Chair of Healthwatch Southampton since its start in 2012, having been the Chair of the two predecessor organisations Southampton Involvement Network (LINK) and the Patient and Public Involvement Forum (PPIF). He had extensive knowledge and experience in working with health and social care policy makers and providers to improve outcomes for patients in the city. Over the years he sat on many City Council and NHS committees, bringing the voice of the patient to the table and advocating for improvements in services.
He was a kind and gentle man and hugely generous with his time, sharing his knowledge, supporting the staff through induction and training. He skilfully led the Healthwatch Strategic Group for over 10 years, holding authorities to account. For many years Harry was the Healthwatch lead for University Hospitals Southampton Foundation Trust.
Harry was made an MBE in the 2014 New Years honours list for his charity and voluntary work.
Harry will be greatly missed by everyone involved with Healthwatch Southampton – volunteers, staff and Strategic group as well as the many colleagues and friends he worked with during his many years of working in the city.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Harry Dymond will take place on Monday 24th March 2025 at 2pm at the Holy Trinity Church, Winchester.