Media protocol
About the Healthwatch England media unit
We are the first point of contact for national media enquiries. We prepare proactive and reactive responses to national issues; draft press releases and blogs; design and deliver national campaigns; recruit and store media case studies; monitor, evaluate and report national media coverage.
Should we receive requests for comments or interviews from regional and local media outlets eg. a local BBC radio station, we pass the request on to the relevant local Healthwatch to respond to.
We are happy to advise local Healthwatch on media approaches, key messages, and other related issues. There are a number of resources that can help you with PR and media activities.
Helpful resources
- Our policy positions can offer the latest lines on various healthcare issues: https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/our-policy-positions
- A variety of communications resources is available on: https://network.healthwatch.co.uk/resources
- An example of a crisis comms plan is available on: https://network.healthwatch.co.uk/guidance/2021-07-15/risk-and-crisis-communication-plan
- Network newsletter
- Any significant media coverage is also shared with the network on a regular basis.
National media outlets
Should you receive a request for an interview or a comment on a national issue from a national media outlet, do forward it to the national media team to respond to.
How to get in touch with the national team?
If you are contacted by a national media outlet or have a question about media/ PR, contact:
- Anna Galandzij, Media Manager, anna.galandzij@healthwatch.co.uk – Tuesday to Friday
In her absence, you can direct your queries to:
- Chris Gorman, Campaigns Manager (Regional), chris.gorman@healthwatch.co.uk or our comms inbox hub@healthwatch.co.uk.
Communications Ambassadors Network (CAN)
Bi-monthly CAN meetings offer a great opportunity for comms colleagues across the network to come together, share know how, and learn about upcoming national campaigns. Find out more.