Concerns Over Abolishing Patient Advocacy Body
A group representing local councils in England and Wales has warned that abolishing the organisation which champions patient views on health and social care would leave the NHS "marking their own homework."
Healthwatch is an independent body that represents the views of patients regarding their local health and social care providers, aiming to help improve the services they offer.
In an interview with , the Local Government Association (LGA) expressed concerns that disbanding Healthwatch could lead to a "fragmented system" that would undermine accountability.
The Department for Health and Social Care, however, states that these changes will provide patients with a "stronger, clearer voice at the heart of health and social care."
LGA Highlights Lack of Alternative Plan
The LGA has voiced apprehension about the absence of a plan for an alternative to Healthwatch, which currently challenges the NHS and community care service providers when patients or the public raise issues.
"Without an independent, locally rooted voice to challenge and represent communities, there is a risk of duplication and gaps in accountability," the LGA said.
They warn that disbanding Healthwatch would represent a "significant step back" in terms of accountability.
The LGA is urging the government to "work with local government" to develop a "clear and workable model" that fulfills Healthwatch's role while maintaining its independence.
Healthwatch to be Scrapped Amid NHS Reforms
Healthwatch is scheduled to be abolished as part of broader reforms—including the abolition of NHS England—that aim to centralise the management of health and social care services under the Department for Health and Social Care.
The government asserts that these reforms will reduce bureaucracy and enable more resources to be directed to frontline healthcare services.
The proposals are being introduced through the NHS Modernisation Bill, which is currently progressing through parliament and is set for its second reading on Monday 1 June.
Under these proposals, Healthwatch's responsibilities will be transferred to integrated care boards (ICBs) and local authorities. This means these bodies would be required to respond to feedback about their own services, rather than being held accountable by an independent organisation.
LGA Chair Compares Changes to 'Marking Their Own Homework'
Councillor Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, chair of the Local Government Association's health and wellbeing committee, described this situation as akin to health services "marking their own homework."
"Without an independent, locally rooted voice to challenge and represent communities, there is a risk of duplication and gaps in accountability," the LGA said.
The LGA also expressed concern that this "fragmented approach" could widen the divide between health and social care sectors. Dr Taylor called on the government to collaborate with local councils to address these issues.
Healthwatch Workforce and Structure
Healthwatch employs more than 500 staff members and is supported by approximately 4,000 volunteers across its national and local offices.
Currently, there are over 150 local Healthwatch organisations in England with powers that include:
Government Response on Patient Voice Reforms
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care stated that abolishing Healthwatch England is part of plans "to simplify the patient safety landscape."
"By bringing the patient voice closer to decision-makers, people's experiences will have a more direct impact on services," the spokesperson said.
They added, "We are reforming how the NHS operates to make it easier to access care. We value the work of local Healthwatch organisations, but these changes will give patients and service users a stronger, clearer voice at the heart of health and social care."
