We are still here and we support the petition to protect independent Healthwatch
A public petition calling for the protection of independent local Healthwatch has now reached 10,000 signatures. This milestone means the Government must issue a formal written response.
100,000 will trigger a debate in Government, which is the ideal. But Healthwatch staff, volunteers, trustees and management appreciate everyone for their support so far.
We expect this written response to set out the position of ministers and explain how the public voice will continue to be heard in the future. Once published, we will share the response and give a clear summary of what it means for residents in North Yorkshire.
Local independence helps people speak openly about their care and raise concerns safely. Removing it could limit how real lived experience informs improvement. We will continue to highlight this risk.
Even if you have not heard of Healthwatch North Yorkshire or used health or social care services, signing matters. These services touch everyone at some stage in life, and protecting an independent public voice helps keep care fair, safe, and clear for all communities.
You can keep sharing your recent experiences of health and social care with us. Your feedback helps show why local presence remains important.
To learn more about the future of independent voice in health and social care, you can read our wider article:
Protecting local independent voice in health care and social care
What you can do to help
We still need your support to protect the independent patient voice in North Yorkshire and across England. Here is how:
- Sign the national petition at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/732993 and help protect the independent public voice in health and social care. Adding your name takes under a minute and strengthens the public voice for everyone across North Yorkshire.
- Tell your local Member of Parliament (MP) that you have signed and why it matters. The petition site makes this easy with an option to email your MP.
- Spread the word and share the petition with friends, family, work colleagues and on social media.
Without this protection, many residents would lose a safe and trusted place to raise concerns, find support, and share their views when care does not work as it should. Once it is lost, it cannot be easily replaced.
When the petition reaches its target, it will be presented to government decision makers to show the strength of local support and highlight why this independent voice must remain in place.
Please consider adding your name today. Every signature counts. Signing it will not affect your care.
