We're still here - Support the petition to protect independent Healthwatch
In July, we joined more than 130 local Healthwatch in signing an open letter to the Secretary of State, Wes Streeting, urging the Government to rethink proposals to abolish independent local Healthwatch. On 7 August 2025, a petition was launched to review this decision and safeguard the public voice in health and care.
What is happening?
Under the Government's NHS 10 Year Health Plan for England, the work of local Healthwatch would be absorbed into local councils and the NHS.
It is unclear what will happen to Healthwatch staff and volunteers, and there are no plans for extra funding. With councils and the NHS already facing cutbacks, the question is: who will independently represent your voice?
Healthwatch across England have come together to try protect your independent voice.
The plan follows review of patient safety report, that was led by Doctor Penny Dash. This report talks about putting “greater emphasis on the patient voice” and the health plan promises to give greater power to patients. On the surface, that sounds good, but removing local Healthwatch, which for 12 years has represented people whose voices might otherwise go unheard, directly contradicts these aims. They are also without detail.
It is worth remembering why Healthwatch was created. Healthwatch was established in 2013 through the Health and Social Care Act 2012, following serious NHS failures such as the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust public scandal. The aim was to give people a stronger voice in shaping health and social care services. That's what we have done and still continue to do.
Why independence matters
At Healthwatch:
- We listen without bias, speak freely, and hold services accountable.
- People trust us because we are separate from the NHS and local councils.
- We have built trust and speak to people who don't feel part of the conversation or able to have their say.
- We are independent. Without independence, many may not feel safe to share their concerns.
Even if you’ve never used Healthwatch, you or someone you care for may need us one day. Independence makes sure your voice is always heard.
The difference independence makes in North Yorkshire
Our independence means people can trust us with their stories, knowing we can challenge services without fear or favour.
That has meant:
- Supporting rural communities, including farmers, to access healthcare remotely
- Advocating for better postnatal care for new mothers
- Helping shape first-contact mental health support within GP practices
- Improving accessible information across GP surgeries, hospitals and social care for those facing language barriers or digital exclusion
These are just a few examples.
What you can do to help
- Sign the petition now and help protect the independent public voice in health and social care.
- Tell your Member of Parliament (MP) that you’ve signed and why it matters. The petition site makes this easy with an option to email your MP.
- Spread the word – share the petition with friends, family, work colleagues and on social media.
10,000 signatures will get a formal acknowledgement from Parliament. 100,000 will trigger a debate in Government.
Healthwatch's message to you
For now, Healthwatch remains open, listening to your experiences – good and bad – and helping you find the advice and information you need to make informed decisions for yourself or a loved one.
We don’t handle complaints or give medical advice, but we do help people navigate their options, chase unresolved issues, and celebrate examples of outstanding care.
Your signature will help show the strength of public support for keeping a strong, independent voice in health and social care.
Why it’s important to act now
These changes would require Parliament to amend or replace the Health and Social Care Act, which has been in place since 2012 (before Healthwatch was introduced in 2013). While no timetable has been confirmed, proposals suggest this could happen within the next one to two years.
That might sound distant, but once independence is lost, it will be extremely difficult to rebuild. Acting now gives us the best chance to protect Healthwatch before decisions are finalised.
Sign the petition at: petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732993
