Health Bill: How to contact your MP and share your views
This guide is for people who would like to share their views with their MP. Whether you support the proposals, oppose them or simply have questions about them, MPs can only represent the views of their constituents if they hear from them.
The Government's Health Bill includes proposals to abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations, including here in North Yorkshire.
You may never have used Healthwatch yourself. You may never have needed to raise a concern about healthcare, social care or another issue affecting you or your family.
So why does this matter?
Because one day you might.
Many people contact Healthwatch when they are unsure where to turn, want help understanding their options, have concerns about their care, or feel they have not been listened to elsewhere.
Others share their experiences to help improve care for everyone.
The current proposals raise important questions about how people's experiences of health and social care will be heard in future, and whether there should continue to be an independent organisation helping gather feedback and influence improvements.
Why does independence matter?
Many people tell us they value having an organisation that is separate from the NHS and local councils.
People often feel more comfortable sharing sensitive experiences when they know the organisation listening is independent from those providing, planning or paying for care.
Several national organisations have also highlighted the importance of maintaining public confidence in how feedback is gathered and used.
Why is hearing from everyone important?
Healthwatch works with people from all backgrounds and communities.
This includes people living in rural areas, carers, disabled people, people with additional needs, people from ethnic minority communities and others who can sometimes find it harder to have their voices heard.
Many organisations have raised concerns that any future arrangements must continue to make sure these experiences are heard and acted upon.
Why contact your MP?
The Health Bill still has several stages to complete before it can become law.
MPs can ask questions, propose amendments and vote on legislation.
They are elected to represent the people who live in their constituencies, and many will want to hear the views of local residents before making decisions.
Whether you support the proposals, oppose them or simply have questions about what they could mean, you have the right to share your views with your MP.
How to contact your MP
1. Find your MP
You can find your MP and their contact details using your postcode:
https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP
2. Decide what you want to say
You may wish to explain:
- why independent feedback matters to you
- why people's experiences should continue to help shape improvements
- any experiences you have had of health or social care
- any questions or concerns you have about the proposals
3. Include your name and address
MPs usually only respond to people who live in their constituency, so remember to include your name and address.
4. Send your message
You can contact your MP directly using the details on the Parliament website or through:
Template letters
We have prepared template letters that you can adapt if you wish.
- First time writing to your MP about this issue? Download the first letter template
- Already contacted your MP? Download the follow-up letter template
You can edit the letters, add your own experiences, or write your own message instead.
Need help?
If you need these materials in a different format, please contact us on 01423 788128 or email hello@hwny.co.uk.
