131 local Healthwatch services unite to defend the public voice
131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to reconsider proposals that would bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies.
Safeguarding the public’s voice
The letter, which we have jointly signed, warns that the proposed changes would seriously compromise the independence that makes public feedback effective and trusted.
The open letter states:
“Bringing public voice functions in-house risks creating a system where feedback is filtered, inconvenient truths are softened, and accountability is diluted. It sends the wrong message at a time when public trust in institutions must be rebuilt, not eroded.”
For over a decade, Healthwatch services have served as independent champions for patients, carers, and communities - particularly those who are vulnerable or face barriers to accessing care. Their statutory independence allows them to challenge poor practice, conduct impartial research, and ensure that people’s voices are heard without fear or favour.
Learning from the past
The letter draws on lessons from the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, where failures in local scrutiny contributed to serious harm. It argues that dismantling independent advocacy would repeat past mistakes and weaken public accountability.
The letter continues:
“People often tell us we are the first service to truly listen and the only one that follows up to ensure they receive the support needed.”
As signatories, we are calling for a meeting with the Secretary of State and are urging the government to strengthen - not dismantle - independent public voice initiatives.
The open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care is available to download below
Find out more
For information about the government proposals and our response, read the published statement.
Get Involved
If you care about protecting the independence of patient and public voice in health and care, we encourage you to join us. A petition is now live to give members of the public a way to show their support. If you would like to sign it, the link is below - remember to confirm your signature via email afterwards.
What is a local Healthwatch?
Healthwatch Dorset is the county’s health and social care champion. We are part of a network of over 150 local Healthwatch across England. We’re here to listen to your experiences of using local health and care services and to hear about the issues that really matter to you. We can also provide information and advice to help people find local services and support. As an independent statutory body, we have the power to make sure that NHS leaders and other decision-makers listen to your feedback and use it to improve standards of care.
Why Independence Matters:
Independent advocacy ensures that feedback is not filtered or softened and that services are held accountable. Local Healthwatch’s impartiality is essential for building trust and driving meaningful change in health and care systems.
Policy Context:
The 10-Year Health Plan for England, published on 3 July 2025, and the Penny Dash Review of Patient Safety, published on 7 July 2025, both propose ending the independent patient voice by closing national and local Healthwatch bodies. They suggest transferring public engagement functions to NHS commissioners and local authorities.
