Government plans around the future of Healthwatch
Over the weekend of 28-29 June, media reports, including the BBC, reported on the Government's plans to close Healthwatch England, the National Guardian's office, and others. These proposals come from the yet-to-be-published Dash Review, and form part of the government’s wider 10-Year Health Plan.
This decision marks a major change in public involvement. Healthwatch was established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 specifically to understand the needs, experiences, and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.
We have seen first-hand the positive impact of engaging communities, gathering evidence of local issues and inequalities, and working together to improve services and commissioning. We are proud of the significant successes of our team and the volunteers who help make this happen, and we are saddened by the proposal to remove this important form of public involvement.
There is still a long way to go. The Dash Review is not yet published, though its recommendations are well trailed in the media. These recommendations will go through the various steps before being enacted in legislation, likely in late 2026. Until then, Healthwatch will continue to gather patient views and evidence, help residents navigate and access health and social care, and work together with providers and commissioners to improve local services.
Responding to the media reports to close Healthwatch, Louise Ansari, Chief Executive at Healthwatch England, said:
“This is clearly a sad day for our staff, volunteers, and everyone associated with Healthwatch who have proudly supported people and communities to speak up about their experiences of health and social care.
"Over the past twelve years, we’ve helped millions of people raise concerns, access vital advice, and influence real change in the services they rely on.
"By championing the voices of local communities, we’ve helped drive countless improvements across the NHS and social care - successes I understand the Government recognises.
"Our focus now is on ensuring a smooth transition of our functions to the NHS and Government, so that the voices of patients and the public continue to be heard.”
Public Voice CIC is the provider of local Healthwatch services in Barnet, Croydon, Haringey and Hounslow. It has released a statement in response to the government's decision.