Local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. We are urging the government to reconsider proposals that would transfer our independent functions, successfully delivered for 13 years, to local authorities and NHS bodies.
The letter, which to date has been signed by 131 Healthwatch Chief Officers/Chairs - representing 86% of the national network - warns that the proposed changes would seriously compromise the independence that makes public feedback effective and trusted.