An introduction from our new CEO

My name is Olivia Clymer, and I’m the CEO for Healthwatch Enfield. Earlier this year, we took over from ‘Combining Opinions to Generate Solutions (COGS)’ and began running Healthwatch Enfield. I am very grateful for all the dedicated work COGS carried out - their staff, board, and volunteers. I’m also delighted that Michelle and Sue-Jane have stayed with us and are still supporting their communities as part of our team. It’s great to have their knowledge, hard work, and enthusiasm. 

The past few months we have been very busy at Healthwatch Enfield. We have just published our report about accessing GPs, which captures what residents have been telling us about their experiences of accessing primary care.  

We’ve also been carrying out engagement with people from the Bulgarian community in Enfield to understand how well local health and social care services are working for them. Alongside this, we have been continuing to respond to the ongoing public health situation.  

Answering local people’s questions about COVID-19 has been a big focus for the team, providing real-time support with how to access vaccines, changes to health and care services, and how and where to access further help and guidance. 

I am pleased that so many of our wonderful volunteers have stayed with us through the changes at Healthwatch Enfield. Our volunteers are such an important part of our organisation. Without their commitment, support, passion, and expertise we wouldn’t be able to carry out our important work.  

We are always looking for new volunteers, so if you’d like to get involved and help us improve local health and social care services, please get in touch with one of the team. 

I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and learning about our work over the past few months. 

With all best wishes, 

Olivia Clymer