Petition: Future of Local Healthwatch
Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale have shared details of a petition regarding proposed changes to Healthwatch services.
Under the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, there is a proposal to abolish Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch organisations, with their functions transferred to local authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards. This follows the Review of Patient Safety across the health and care landscape.
Local Healthwatch organisations currently operate as independent bodies providing information, advice, and a route for the public to give feedback on health and social care services. They also work with communities and service providers to share experiences and highlight barriers to accessing care.
The petition asks the Government to retain the independence of Healthwatch and other public voice initiatives.
But nothing is changing right now
It’s important for people in Kirklees and Calderdale to know that Healthwatch Kirklees and Healthwatch Calderdale are still open and working as usual. The closure of Healthwatch will take time because changes to the law are required first.
Local Healthwatch Teams are still here to:
- Listen to people’s experiences of health and care services
- Make sure local voices are heard
- Work with partners to improve care
Even though there are future plans to restructure Healthwatch, for now, everything continues as normal.