Healthwatch Enfield has a joined a campaign against government plans to abolish the England-wide network of independent bodies that help ensure that local voices and local needs are heard by NHS administrators.
Healthwatch Enfield has joined a large number of its sister organisations across the country in asking residents to sign a petition calling on the government to review its decision to abolish England's 150 or so Healthwatch bodies, which serve as the "eyes and ears of the community", providing a means for local people to find out about NHS services available to them, scrutinise their quality and influence their development.
Healthwatch Enfield posted this appeal to the public on Instagram on 11th August:
🚨 Act Now to Save Our Local Healthwatch! 🚨
The government plans to abolish independent local Healthwatch services, but we can't let that happen! These services are the voice of the public, essential for a stronger NHS and healthier communities.
💪 When you sign the petition, you demand the government to:
✅ Reconsider the decision to abolish local independent health advocates.
✅ Consult with the public to co-design services that meet our needs and support NHS goals.
✅ Invest and strengthen these vital independent services.
🌟 Why It Matters: Local independent services are deeply rooted in our communities. They are crucial for the success of the 10-Year Health Plan, providing constructive feedback and co-creating solutions with those who need it most. Trusted and independent, these services listen to everyone, especially those often overlooked. They are key to improving health and social care for all.
🗣️ We listen without fear or favour, reaching those whose voices are often ignored. Let's stand together to protect our right to be heard and ensure better health and social care for everyone!
🔗 Sign the petition now!
Source: Post on Instagram 11 August 2025
Healthwatch Brighton and Hove is one of many others that are promoting the petition. Calling itself "your local health and social care champion", it describes its role as follows:
"We are an independent voice for people living in the city. We're here to understand the lived experiences of people who use health and social care services. We work hard to ensure that all sections of the community are represented in decision-making processes. We ensure that NHS leaders and other decision-makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.
"If you use GPs and hospitals, dentists, pharmacies, care homes or other support services in your area, we want to hear about your experiences. We are independent and have the power to make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers listen to local feedback and improve standards of care. We can also help you to find reliable and trustworthy information and advice. Last year, the Healthwatch network helped nearly a million people like you to have your say and get the support you need."
The petition, on the official government website and in the name of Samantha Botsford from Healthwatch Surrey, reads:
Review decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch
We are asking the government to:
- Revisit its decision to abolish local independent services that speak up for the public
- Consult with the public to codesign a service which meets their needs and supports the NHS to realise its ambitions
- Invest in and strengthen independent services
Local independent services are rooted in their communities. We think they are well placed to support the 10-Year Health Plan by offering constructive challenge and helping co-produce solutions with those with the greatest health and care needs. We think trusted independent services that listen to local communities are essential to improving health and social care.
We listen without fear or favour and reach those whose voices are often ignored.
The decision by the government to abolish independent Healthwatch bodies was taken in response to a recommendation in the "Dash Report" (official title "Review of patient safety across the health and care landscape"), but its implementation will depend on legislation that has not yet been put before Parliament. The intention is to transfer Healthwatch functions to NHS Integrated Care Boards and local authorities.
In a press release containing strong criticism of the government's plan, Healthwatch Brighton and Hove state:
"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.
[...]
"If these proposals are enacted, it will mark the end of independent statutory services which have existed since 1974 to act on behalf of local people and to give them a strong voice across a complex and often impenetrable health and social care services landscape. Similar services were first created 51 years ago, with the launch of Community Health Councils (CHCs). The plans to abolish this independent route for people to feedback risks taking a step backwards."
Source: Press release by Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, 18 July 2025
