We’re still here for you
Following publication of its 10 Year Health Plan, along with the Dash review of patient safety, the government has announced plans to abolish the Healthwatch network as a part of broader organisational changes and planned legislation.
At this stage for Healthwatch, while no official timeline has yet been confirmed, it is business as usual and your voice still matters.
Since 2013, we've helped many thousands of people raise concerns, access vital advice, and influence real change in the local services they rely on. Our legal duty – to listen to your experiences and make sure your voice shapes the care you receive – currently remains unchanged.
What we know
The government has announced that it wants to change the law to:
- Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health and Social Care.
- Transfer the work of local Healthwatch services to the NHS and local authorities.
Until legislation is passed, the Department of Health and Social Care will advise local authorities to continue commissioning local Healthwatch services. We will work with commissioners, system partners and community stakeholders on a smooth transition in due course.
What does this mean right now?
While these changes will happen over time, the law has not yet been changed. This means we are still here, open, and working for you. We continue to:
- Listen to your experiences of health and social care.
- Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services.
- Provide advice and information to help you find the support you need.
Healthwatch Dorset Manager, Louise Bate, said:
“It's really disappointing news, we've worked hard over the last 12 years to champion and support thousands of local residents to raise issues, navigate services, and influence positive change in health and social care.
“Our independence is really important, it helps people to feel safe enough to tell us about their experiences and enables us to work with communities who don't feel like they have a voice. I am concerned that the loss of that independent voice will only serve to widen health inequalities and make it more difficult for local people to have their say.
“We want to thank all of our volunteers, communities and partners for their continued support of our role and work. Please be assured that Healthwatch Dorset is operating as usual, continuing to ensure that your health and social care experiences are heard and used to shape and improve our local services. We will also be working hard to urge decision-makers to ensure that there remains a strong, independent mechanism for public feedback — one that is accessible, trusted and accountable."
