Healthwatch is here for you

NHS Modernisation Bill

The NHS Modernisation Bill is proposing changes to how patients and people who use social care services are listened to. Under the proposed new law,  Healthwatch England’s responsibilities will move to the Department of Health and Social Care. Local Healthwatch roles will be taken on by NHS Integrated Care Boards (NHS Surrey and Sussex) and local councils. 

What do the changes mean for the public? 

For now, nothing is changing. We’re still your independent voice for health and social care, and we will keep: 

• Listening to your experiences of care.
• Offering free, confidential advice and information to help you make the most of local services.
• Speaking up so NHS and social care providers know what’s working and what could be better.

Your voice matters. By sharing your feedback, you help improve support for everyone in your community. 

What does this mean for our partners? 

We value our strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. We will continue to share our evidence with you and work together to improve NHS and social care support. 

Our position

“We don’t yet know when these changes will take place, or if they will even be passed by Parliament. We will be closely monitoring the legislation as it moves through Parliament and opposing the total loss of an independent organisation which exists solely for patient’s and service users. 

"For 14 years, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove has used its independence to engage over 40,000 people, write and publish 380 reports and help over 4,000 people through our helpline. 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 has allowed us to challenge poor practice, conduct impartial research, and ensure that people’s voices are heard without fear or favour. More importantly, partners value our role.” 

Alan Boyd, CEO 

Both the Kings Fund and Patients Association have raised concerns about the loss of independent patient voice. 

The King’s Fund said:

"The Bill sets out a desire to give more power to patients but in the same breath proceeds to abolish the organisations responsible for studying patient experience independently with no clear plan for stopping the NHS and ministers from 'marking their own homework'."

The Patient’s Association said:

“Splitting local Healthwatch between ICBs and local authorities risks creating a patchwork of accountability with no single body responsible for ensuring patients are heard.”

What happens next? 

We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more.