Chris Bain
@chris-bain.bsky.social
Chair Healthwatch in the West Midlands. Chief Exec at Healthwatch Warwickshire CIC. Mayor of Tamworth. FRSA
Christmas Message
2025 has been a year of great change in Tamworth. There are many reasons to be optimistic. We have seen a new future emerging for our Town Centre with the opening of the new College, the refurbishment of St Editha’s Square, the opening of the new retail outlets in Town Hall Place…
2025 has been a year of great change in Tamworth. There are many reasons to be optimistic. We have seen a new future emerging for our Town Centre with the opening of the new College, the refurbishment of St Editha’s Square, the opening of the new retail outlets in Town Hall Place…
Christmas Message
2025 has been a year of great change in Tamworth. There are many reasons to be optimistic. We have seen a new future emerging for our Town Centre with the opening of the new College, the refurbishment of St Editha’s Square, the opening of the new retail outlets in Town Hall Place and the improved bridge access to the Castle and the Castle Grounds.
chrisbain.blog
December 19, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Christmas Message
2025 has been a year of great change in Tamworth. There are many reasons to be optimistic. We have seen a new future emerging for our Town Centre with the opening of the new College, the refurbishment of St Editha’s Square, the opening of the new retail outlets in Town Hall Place…
2025 has been a year of great change in Tamworth. There are many reasons to be optimistic. We have seen a new future emerging for our Town Centre with the opening of the new College, the refurbishment of St Editha’s Square, the opening of the new retail outlets in Town Hall Place…
Whilst there was much in the budget that might begin to improve things for the NHS, I remain very concerned about the absence of social care from the speech. The effectiveness of the NHS would be greatly enhanced if social care is given the resources it needs. I will never stop saying it.
December 1, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Whilst there was much in the budget that might begin to improve things for the NHS, I remain very concerned about the absence of social care from the speech. The effectiveness of the NHS would be greatly enhanced if social care is given the resources it needs. I will never stop saying it.
Privileged to be elected as Chair of the Warwickshire Independent Advocacy Alliance yesterday. The WIAA do amazing work for people right across the County and beyond, We are looking forward to growing and developing in the next year.
November 26, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Privileged to be elected as Chair of the Warwickshire Independent Advocacy Alliance yesterday. The WIAA do amazing work for people right across the County and beyond, We are looking forward to growing and developing in the next year.
Untitled
Thoughts on the nature of Local Hospitals The impending abolition of Healthwatch, along with having an inflamed ankle that has kept me housebound, has prompted me to reflect on the nature of local hospitals in health and care systems. From what I can see, they are doing pretty well in the…
Thoughts on the nature of Local Hospitals The impending abolition of Healthwatch, along with having an inflamed ankle that has kept me housebound, has prompted me to reflect on the nature of local hospitals in health and care systems. From what I can see, they are doing pretty well in the…
Untitled
Thoughts on the nature of Local Hospitals The impending abolition of Healthwatch, along with having an inflamed ankle that has kept me housebound, has prompted me to reflect on the nature of local hospitals in health and care systems. From what I can see, they are doing pretty well in the face of escalating demand and limited resources, but I decided to put my thoughts down in writing to see if the idea of a more nuanced role resonated with anyone.
chrisbain.blog
November 6, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Untitled
Thoughts on the nature of Local Hospitals The impending abolition of Healthwatch, along with having an inflamed ankle that has kept me housebound, has prompted me to reflect on the nature of local hospitals in health and care systems. From what I can see, they are doing pretty well in the…
Thoughts on the nature of Local Hospitals The impending abolition of Healthwatch, along with having an inflamed ankle that has kept me housebound, has prompted me to reflect on the nature of local hospitals in health and care systems. From what I can see, they are doing pretty well in the…
The role of community in the future of the NHS
chrisbain.blog/2025/10/28/t...
chrisbain.blog/2025/10/28/t...
The role of community in the future of the NHS
Looking back on my time as Chair of the Co-operative Party’s Chair of Policy we carried out a well-informed and wide-ranging debate process on healthcare, which led to the formulation of seve…
chrisbain.blog
October 28, 2025 at 12:25 PM
The role of community in the future of the NHS
chrisbain.blog/2025/10/28/t...
chrisbain.blog/2025/10/28/t...
It is World Mental Health day. Be kind to those you meet, not all pain is visible.
October 10, 2025 at 9:42 AM
It is World Mental Health day. Be kind to those you meet, not all pain is visible.
Warwickshire Pride - brilliant event with a wonderful vibe. Free to enter, no fences, 127 stalls, the food was tasty plentiful and good value, a magnificent parade, lots of sponsors. We could learn much from it.
August 18, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Warwickshire Pride - brilliant event with a wonderful vibe. Free to enter, no fences, 127 stalls, the food was tasty plentiful and good value, a magnificent parade, lots of sponsors. We could learn much from it.
Alex has been accepted at Nottingham Trent University to study Economics with International Finance and Banking. So proud I don’t know what to do with myself.
August 14, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Alex has been accepted at Nottingham Trent University to study Economics with International Finance and Banking. So proud I don’t know what to do with myself.
Deeply concerned to read that the Children's Homes Association has warned that 'inexperienced providers' drove a 15% rise in the number of registered homes from 2024-25 and that children are being placed in residential care inappropriately due to fostering shortages.
Do we need a reset?
Do we need a reset?
July 31, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Deeply concerned to read that the Children's Homes Association has warned that 'inexperienced providers' drove a 15% rise in the number of registered homes from 2024-25 and that children are being placed in residential care inappropriately due to fostering shortages.
Do we need a reset?
Do we need a reset?
Delighted to meet Annie Whitehead last night at St Editha’s. Her talk was every bit as compelling as her superb books are and my Annie Whitehead collection grew.
July 23, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Delighted to meet Annie Whitehead last night at St Editha’s. Her talk was every bit as compelling as her superb books are and my Annie Whitehead collection grew.
Residential care workers are almost twice as likely to be in poverty compared to the average UK employee. They are also more prone to food insecurity, using food banks, forgoing basic commodities and services, and depending on Universal Credit. This is not sustainable and urgent reform is needed.
July 21, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Residential care workers are almost twice as likely to be in poverty compared to the average UK employee. They are also more prone to food insecurity, using food banks, forgoing basic commodities and services, and depending on Universal Credit. This is not sustainable and urgent reform is needed.
Had a great evening in Tamworth Castle yesterday, a drinks reception at the start of Athelstan week.. What an amazing place it is, if you haven't visited yet - you really should.
July 20, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Had a great evening in Tamworth Castle yesterday, a drinks reception at the start of Athelstan week.. What an amazing place it is, if you haven't visited yet - you really should.
Healthwatch Warwickshire have received many messages of support from right across the County. My thanks to everyone who has been in touch and I give you my assurance that we will continue to do all we can for patients and public right up to the point where we are forced to close our doors.
July 4, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Healthwatch Warwickshire have received many messages of support from right across the County. My thanks to everyone who has been in touch and I give you my assurance that we will continue to do all we can for patients and public right up to the point where we are forced to close our doors.
The Pope saying what so many are thinking.
June 18, 2025 at 1:08 PM
The Pope saying what so many are thinking.
Thrilled that there is a debate on incontinence in the Commons on 19th June. This is a neglected public health and dignity crisis that needs dealing with
We need much stronger training, awareness and equitable access to services. Above all we need to break the silence that fuels stigma and shame.
We need much stronger training, awareness and equitable access to services. Above all we need to break the silence that fuels stigma and shame.
June 17, 2025 at 8:28 AM
Thrilled that there is a debate on incontinence in the Commons on 19th June. This is a neglected public health and dignity crisis that needs dealing with
We need much stronger training, awareness and equitable access to services. Above all we need to break the silence that fuels stigma and shame.
We need much stronger training, awareness and equitable access to services. Above all we need to break the silence that fuels stigma and shame.
Between 2021 and 2024, there were 329 NHS dental contracts handed back by providers. Also one in eight dentists across the country is aged 55 and over and approaching retirement.
NHS Dentistry has no future unless urgent action is taken now The time for talking is over, it is time for real change
NHS Dentistry has no future unless urgent action is taken now The time for talking is over, it is time for real change
June 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Between 2021 and 2024, there were 329 NHS dental contracts handed back by providers. Also one in eight dentists across the country is aged 55 and over and approaching retirement.
NHS Dentistry has no future unless urgent action is taken now The time for talking is over, it is time for real change
NHS Dentistry has no future unless urgent action is taken now The time for talking is over, it is time for real change
According to the ONS there has been a record fall in net migration. With fewer people arriving on work and study-related visas and emigration returning to pre-pandemic levels, net migration is at the lowest level seen since 2021. How will this be reported I wonder?
May 27, 2025 at 12:50 PM
According to the ONS there has been a record fall in net migration. With fewer people arriving on work and study-related visas and emigration returning to pre-pandemic levels, net migration is at the lowest level seen since 2021. How will this be reported I wonder?
Moving service for ANZAC day on Sunday. I felt privileged to be there.
April 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Moving service for ANZAC day on Sunday. I felt privileged to be there.
World Immunization Week is 24-30 April 2025. Over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives.
But we are at a watershed moment in the history of global health for a variety of reasons. Immunization for All is humanly possible, but only if we work together.
But we are at a watershed moment in the history of global health for a variety of reasons. Immunization for All is humanly possible, but only if we work together.
April 16, 2025 at 2:21 PM
World Immunization Week is 24-30 April 2025. Over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives.
But we are at a watershed moment in the history of global health for a variety of reasons. Immunization for All is humanly possible, but only if we work together.
But we are at a watershed moment in the history of global health for a variety of reasons. Immunization for All is humanly possible, but only if we work together.
The May elections will shortly be upon us in the UK.
So, a polite request - if you intend to vote Reform would you kindly ‘unfriend’ me as you would certainly not be a friend of mine.
Thank you.
So, a polite request - if you intend to vote Reform would you kindly ‘unfriend’ me as you would certainly not be a friend of mine.
Thank you.
April 16, 2025 at 8:38 AM
The May elections will shortly be upon us in the UK.
So, a polite request - if you intend to vote Reform would you kindly ‘unfriend’ me as you would certainly not be a friend of mine.
Thank you.
So, a polite request - if you intend to vote Reform would you kindly ‘unfriend’ me as you would certainly not be a friend of mine.
Thank you.
One of life's mysteries
April 14, 2025 at 1:18 PM
One of life's mysteries
Probably shouldn't laugh at this.
April 4, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Probably shouldn't laugh at this.