HEALTHWATCH Lancashire, the new health and social care watchdog for residents in the county council area, was launched yesterday.

It has independent statutory powers to ensure that the consumer voice is heard, and best practice delivered in health and social care within the county.

It also has a statutory responsibility to direct people to services where there is strong practice and a good reputation and also to complaints and advocacy services.

Chairman Gail Stanley said: “We need to work in partnership in order that we can we bring about the excellence in services that the people of Lancashire need and deserve.”

The launch was at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston.