The Government has announced that Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch will be closed as part of a policy shake-up that will also see hundreds of other organisations responsible for overseeing and running parts of the NHS abolished.
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 will publish its annual report later this week, which will show 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.
‘Shocked and surprised’
Alex Stewart, chief executive of Healthwatch Norfolk, said: “The news shocked and surprised our team, and we are supporting all of them after being informed of the news late on Friday evening.
“Despite this, they remain dedicated to continue representing Norfolk’s communities for the remainder of our time in operation and we will make sure everyone’s views continue to be shared with those heading up services.
“That opportunity to call someone to ask for help or talk to someone face-to-face to share their experience is absolutely vital. In the last week alone, we have supported someone who called us with severe mental health issues for two hours and found them help.
“We are also independent which is also very important to patients who fear that making a complaint or raising a concern could have an impact on the care and support they receive.
“It is early days so we will be considering future proposals and ideas for our team as the NHS 10-Year Plan is officially published later this week and we talk to our colleagues across health and care about what we do next.
“Meanwhile we want to reassure the people of Norfolk that we will continue with our work and our commitment to them right up until Healthwatch closes its doors.”
‘A sad day’
Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England said: “This is clearly a sad day for our staff, volunteers, and everyone associated with Healthwatch who have proudly supported people to speak and communities to speak up about their experiences of health and social care.
“Over the past twelve years we’ve helped millions of people raise concerns, access vital advice and influence real change in the services they rely on.
“By championing the voices of local communities we’ve helped drive countless improvements across the NHS and social care – successes I understand the Government recognises.
“Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition of our functions to the NHS and government, so that the voices of patients and the public continue to be heard.”
