Why independence matters: our response to the future of Healthwatch
On Friday 27 June 2025, we heard that the government announced plans to abolish over 200 health-related bodies, including Healthwatch England. Under the proposals, the Healthwatch function — both nationally and locally — will be brought in-house, with local Healthwatch responsibilities transferred to local authorities (councils) and NHS integrated care boards (those in charge of managing the money) and national voice functions absorbed into the Department of Health and Social Care.
We understand the need for reform — but removal is not the same as improvement.
Healthwatch was created to ensure patients, and the public had an independent voice in health and social care. For over a decade, we’ve gathered experiences, championed unheard voices, and helped shape better services. We’ve done this not as a “nice-to-have,” but as a vital connector between people and the systems that serve them.
Why Healthwatch was created in the first place
Healthwatch was not born out of convenience. It was created because of tragedy.
The Francis Inquiry into the failings at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust found that appalling patient care was allowed to continue unchecked for years. Patients were not listened to. Feedback was ignored. And, most shockingly, there was no consistent, statutory structure for people to raise concerns or influence change.
In direct response, the Inquiry explicitly recommended the creation of a statutory body to represent the patient's interests. That body became Healthwatch — enshrined in law to make sure no one had to suffer in silence again.
To dismantle that independence now is to forget why we exist.
Healthwatch isn’t “wasteful.” It’s essential.
The health secretary said the NHS needs “more doers, fewer checkers.” But listening to patients isn’t bureaucracy — it’s how systems learn, improve, and rebuild trust.
Instead, the public could now be asked to give feedback via the NHS app. That may sound convenient, but it’s no replacement for meaningful conversations. Star ratings are subjective. People often only leave them when they are upset. And tying hospital funding to patient ratings — as the government proposes — risks punishing services for things beyond their control. A missed call, a delayed appointment, or poor parking could cost a hospital funding.
Meanwhile, what about those who can’t use the app? People without smartphones? Those with disabilities? Non-English speakers? Or those who’ve been through trauma and don’t want to reduce their experience to a score out of five?
You don’t build trust through ratings. You build it through relationships. And that’s what Healthwatch does best.
A unique angle that goes deeper
Healthwatch doesn’t just collect data or ask whether care was “good” or “bad.” We explore topics that matter — oral health, maternity care, access to healthcare in rural areas, accessible information, continence care and stigma, mental health, and more — through the lens of real experiences.
We listen to people from all walks of life — often those who are left out of traditional engagement. We understand the context behind their stories and use what people tell us to make detailed, practical recommendations to those responsible for improving care.
Often, this work is done with no additional funding — just the will of our volunteers, the dedication of small staff teams, and a deep belief that people’s voices matter.
This working together and listening approach ensures that we’re not only identifying problems — we’re also helping to shape solutions that are informed, inclusive, and grounded in real people’s lives.
Often, this work is done with limited or no additional funding — just the will of our volunteers, the dedication of small staff teams, and a deep belief that people’s voices matter.
We don’t just collect feedback. We build trust.
Healthwatch reaches people the system often overlooks. We meet them where they are. We create safe spaces to speak. And we don’t just report on complaints — we also highlight and celebrate excellent care.
It’s a myth that Healthwatch is only about criticism.
Many of our most shared stories are examples of what works. We believe in amplifying all feedback — good and bad — because every experience matters.
The irony?
Even the new head of NHS England recently said the system has built “mechanisms to keep the public away because it’s an inconvenience.”
If that’s true, then we need Healthwatch now more than ever.
Because we don’t see the public as an inconvenience. We see them as essential partners in building better care.
So what now?
Until the law changes, we continue our work. We’ll keep listening, challenging, and advocating for the people we serve.
If you’ve ever worked with us, shared your story, or believe in the power of people’s experiences — we’ll be sharing ways you can support us soon.
Healthwatch was created to make sure everyone has a voice in their care.
We intend to keep using ours.
