Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations to be retained

The Government has confirmed that Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations will be retained and strengthened, reversing previous proposals to abolish them. The decision recognises the important role Healthwatch plays in ensuring patients, service users, carers and communities have an independent voice in shaping health and social care services. Chris McCann, Acting Chief Executive of Healthwatch, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the value of Healthwatch insights in improving services and tackling health inequalities. Future reforms will focus on increasing the network’s impact, consistency and ability to represent communities facing the greatest barriers to good health and care.