Government announces Healthwatch changes

The Government has announced that the functions of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch should be absorbed into local authorities and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), as part of a policy shake-up that will also affect hundreds of other organisations responsible for overseeing and running parts of the NHS.

Healthwatch Norfolk is one of a network of 150 local teams across the country that gathers patient feedback on health and social care and shares those views with decision-makers to help shape future services.

It currently employs 14 staff at its base in Wymondham and is hoping to continue operating until at least October 2026.

Local achievements

The organisation has recently published its annual report, which shows it gathered 5299 pieces of feedback in the last financial year, supported 200 people with help and advice, and published 40 reports on different aspects of health and social care.

It helped ensure carers can help shape future mental health services, gathered evidence to show the support for both the Norwich Walk-in Centre and Vulnerable Adults Service which led to a u-turn on plans to reduce and alter both, and set up a Youth Council for the Queen Elizabeth Council in King’s Lynn to ensure the voices of 16 to 25-year-olds were heard.

‘Independence is essential’

Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said:

“We’re sharing our annual report at a time of great uncertainty. On Friday 26 June, we were informed that the 10-Year Plan and the Dash Review would be recommending that Healthwatch functions be subsumed into the core functions of the Integrated Care Board and local government – other independent NHS bodies will also be affected.

“We are deeply disappointed by this suggestion. Independence is not a luxury — it’s essential! Our ability to challenge, question, and advocate without fear or favour is what gives the public confidence that their voices are being heard and acted upon. Without it, the risk is that public engagement becomes a box-ticking exercise, rather than a powerful driver of accountability and improvement.

“While the Government considers changes to the Health and Care Act and the sector awaits clarity on the future, we remain here, continuing our work with local people, supporting our volunteers, and ensuring that patient and public voices are not only heard, but respected.

“We’re incredibly proud of the work we’ve done, and incredibly grateful to all of you who’ve shared your stories with us.”