We are delighted to share news today that the proposed abolition of local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England will not go ahead. In a communication from Healthwatch England:
“…We are pleased to be able to inform you that we have been told by the Department of Health & Social Care that the Health Bill clauses relating to both the abolition of local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England are to be withdrawn.
This is being communicated in a letter by Lords Health Minister Baroness Merron this morning, to all members of the House of Lords, as they prepare to debate the Health Bill over the next month.
Local Healthwatch organisations and Healthwatch England will be retained and the system strengthened so that patients’ and public experiences play a greater role in improving health and social care services. Local Healthwatch will be kept on a local authority footprint and commissioned by local authorities…
… We are delighted that the Government has recognised the huge value of the Healthwatch network, including its hub and spoke model. The decision is testament to your hard work, relentless professionalism and unwavering commitment to serving local communities and tackling inequalities…”