Statement on the future of Healthwatch

You will have seen in the media reports of the government’s decision to transfer the duties of local Healthwatch to Integrated Care Boards and Local Authorities and the closure of Healthwatch England.

We are disappointed by the decision. We will not know the full implications of the government’s proposals until we see the details in the NHS 10-Year Plan, the Penny Dash Review into Patient Safety, and new legislation is passed by Parliament. We expect this will take time.

We will continue to champion the involvement of service users and carers in health and care decision making in Northumberland. We believe the best way to improve services for everyone is by having a strong, independent voice for residents—where people can share their views and experiences of all the health and care services they use.

We have a strong work plan for 2025/26 and are committed to delivering our Healthwatch to a high standard and supporting as many residents as we can. We look forward to working in partnership with local organisations, service providers, and our Healthwatch colleagues across the North East and North Cumbria, to make sure local people’s voices are heard.

We will share further information about our future as the government’s plans become clearer.