Press release: Healthwatch launch a national petition to save independent representation for patients in health and social care
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- We are urging the government to reconsider proposals to transfer Healthwatch’s independent functions to local authorities and NHS bodies. We argue this removes external scrutiny and risks watering down patient voice.
- Healthwatch wants the government to consult with the public to co-design a refreshed service which meets their needs and continues to provide impartial advice and an improved patient experience.
- In July, local Healthwatch teams came together to write to the Secretary of State, warning that the proposed changes would seriously compromise the independence that makes public feedback effective and trusted.
The Healthwatch petition is in response to the announcement made on 27th June and confirmed by the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, to abolish Healthwatch England and 153 local Healthwatch teams and transfer our functions to Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.
Healthwatch feels strongly that an opportunity to turn to an independent service for advice, help, support or to raise concerns is of paramount importance for people using the NHS and accessing social services.
Our petition has been signed by 8,100 so far and can be found and can be found here.
Geoffrey Bowden, Chair of Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, said:
“Independent representation for patients in health and social care is not a luxury - it is essential.
“Our petition is intended to make the government rethink its plans to end this independence - something which has existed for over 50 years. At a time when patient trust in the NHS is at an all-time low, instead of dismantling an independent and trusted channel through which patients and service users can raise their concerns, we should be strengthening it to ensure they have an even stronger voice.”
Alan Boyd, CEO of Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, said:
“I agree with the 10-Year Health Plan that more can be done to strengthen how patients’ voices are collected and fed into NHS and social care services to help them improve. But I do not believe that the abolition of the current anonymous route which Healthwatch provides for people to share their feedback will achieve this. These proposals risk alienating the very people services need to hear from.
“We have long served as independent champions for patients, carers, and communities - particularly those who are vulnerable or face barriers to accessing care. Our statutory independence allows us to challenge poor practice, conduct impartial research, and ensure that people’s voices are heard without fear or favour.
“For nearly 13 years, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove has used its independence to engage nearly 38,000 people, write and publish 350 reports containing nearly 1,800 recommendations and help almost 4,000 people through our helpline. We can site numerous examples about how our work impacts local people. For example, we supported patients who were unhappy at changes to reduce opening hours at their local GP practice. They were not being listened to until we championed their cause. This led to the decision to be reversed.”
“I would encourage anyone who is equally concerned about these proposals to sign our petition and to share this with their friends, families and communities. And let's work together to design a stronger mechanism for hearing patient voices and one which continues to remain independent.”
We believe that independent patient representation in health and social care achieves:
- public trust.
- transparency, accountability
- a driver for meaningful change
- scrutiny of services through a patient lens
- patient-focussed, evidenced-based recommendations to improve services.
Comments from local people included:
"You have been vital to improving access to healthcare locally and your role, independence, and track record in placing patients at the heart of your work will not be easily replaced."
“Particular thanks are due to Brighton & Hove Healthwatch who championed the case for restoration of our lost surgery hours so eloquently.”
“Honest feedback is essential and vital to a successful NHS on all levels from primary care to homecare, pharmacies and hospitals. Healthwatch are a resource that people use daily and one that works closely with local charities and practitioners.”
Critically, local leaders value our independence:
"Thank you to Healthwatch Brighton and Hove for your important work on behalf of the local communities we serve. Your scrutiny, expertise and constructive challenge helps us work together to meet the needs of patients, carers and families”.
Many more comments can be found in our annual reports.
For media enquiries or interviews, please contact:
Geoffrey Bowden, Chair
Healthwatch Brighton and Hove
Email: chair@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk
Mob: 07958 682 683