131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, MP Wes Streeting, urging the government to reconsider proposals that would hand over control of patient and public representation to local authorities and NHS bodies.
Public Voice proudly serves as the contract holder for four local Healthwatch services across England: Barnet, Croydon, Haringey and Hounslow. At a time when the independence of public advocacy is under threat, Public Voice stands at the forefront of the movement to protect and strengthen these vital services.
The letter warns that removing the statutory independence of Healthwatch services would seriously undermine their ability to serve as impartial advocates for patients, carers, and communities. Independent Healthwatch bodies are uniquely positioned to challenge poor practices, conduct objective research, and ensure that feedback from the public is heard without political or institutional interference.
The importance of this independence is underscored by lessons from the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, where systemic failures and a lack of external scrutiny led to widespread harm. The Healthwatch signatories argue that stripping away independent advocacy functions risks repeating these past mistakes and eroding public trust in health and social care systems.
As a contract holder, Public Voice supports the mission of Healthwatch to remain a fearless and impartial advocate for those who often go unheard, especially for vulnerable groups and individuals facing barriers to care.
The letter can be read in full here.