Healthwatch is staying: what this means for people in North Yorkshire
The decision, announced on 28 October 2026, means the independent Healthwatch network across England, including North Yorkshire, will continue its work listening to people's experiences of NHS and social care.
The Government has also committed to strengthening Healthwatch, so that people's experiences have a greater influence on decisions about health and care.
Ashley Green, Chief Executive at Healthwatch North Yorkshire, welcomed the announcement:
“We're really pleased that the Government has recognised the importance of keeping Healthwatch independent. It's been a difficult and uncertain time, so this is very welcome news.
“Independence matters because people need somewhere they can speak openly about their experiences of health and social care, knowing their concerns will be heard. It also means we can challenge decisions, raise concerns with those responsible for care and speak up for people whose experiences might otherwise go unheard.
“As the Government looks at how to strengthen Healthwatch, it's important that this independence remains at the heart of what we do.”
What has changed?
Earlier this year, the Government proposed abolishing Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations as part of changes to how people's experiences of health and social care are heard.
Following a review and discussions with local Healthwatch organisations, councils, NHS organisations and others, the Government has decided not to go ahead with those plans.
Instead, it intends to remove the proposals to abolish Healthwatch from the Health Bill and bring forward changes to strengthen its work.
Local Healthwatch organisations will continue to be commissioned by local councils, while Healthwatch England will retain its national role.
Why Healthwatch matters in North Yorkshire
Over the years, people across North Yorkshire have shared experiences that have helped us highlight problems, influence decisions and make the case for improvements in health and social care.
Our work has covered everything from patient transport, accessible appointments and information, to healthcare for farming communities, care homes, social care for ethnic minority communities, midlife women's experiences of alcohol and postnatal care.
These are very different issues, but they all show the importance of listening to people, understanding the difficulties they face and making sure those responsible for care know what needs to improve.
“I didn't really know who to turn to, but Healthwatch listened and took my concerns seriously. It was reassuring to know someone was willing to speak up about what had happened, and that sharing my experience might help other people too.”
What does this mean for people in North Yorkshire?
Healthwatch North Yorkshire is here to stay, and you can continue to share your experiences with us.
Whether it's a GP practice, hospital, dentist, pharmacy, mental health support or social care, we want to know what's working well and what could be better.
We'll use what you tell us to raise concerns, share examples of good care and encourage improvements.
This is particularly important in a large, largely rural county like North Yorkshire, where getting the care you need can depend on where you live and how easily you can travel.
What happens next?
The Government is expected to provide more details about its plans to strengthen Healthwatch over the coming weeks, as the Health Bill progresses through Parliament.
We'll follow these developments closely and share further updates when we know more.
In the meantime, we're still here to listen.
Whether you've received excellent care or faced difficulties getting the help you need, your experiences matter.
