Healthwatch to be Retained and Strengthened
The Health and Social Care reform bill had proposed to abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations, which raised concerns about how the independent voice of patients and social care users would be represented in future.
However today - October 28th 2026 - the Department of Health & Social Care have said the Health Bill clauses relating to both the abolition of local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England are to be withdrawn.
“I welcome the early news that Healthwatch County Durham and Healthwatch England will be retained. Healthwatch plays a vital role in ensuring that the voices and experiences of local people are heard and help shape improvements to health and social care services.”
“The past 18 months have brought considerable uncertainty for Healthwatch organisations across the country, and we recognise the impact this has had locally on our staff, volunteers and Board members. I want to thank everyone at Healthwatch County Durham for their commitment, resilience and continued belief in the importance of our work throughout this period. I would also like to thank the County Durham Health and Wellbeing Board and members for their overwhelming support.
“While there is still more to learn about what this decision will mean in practice and how we move forward, this is very welcome news. We look forward to understanding the next steps and continuing to working and championing the voices of people who use health and social care services across County Durham.”
- Chris Cunnington Shore, Chair of the Board at Healthwatch County Durham
Healthwatch England said that, at a time of significant pressure and reform across health and care services, it remains important that the voices of patients, families and carers are heard and acted upon.
Chris McCann, the Acting Chief Executive at Healthwatch England, said today in a statement that the organisation welcomed the governments decision not to proceed with abolition of both Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch.
"This decision recognises the vital role that an independent service user champion plays in helping NHS and social care services to understand people’s experiences and bringing about improvements to the care people receive."
"Local Healthwatch organisations have continued to hear from hundreds of thousands of people about their experiences of health and social care services, helping policymakers, commissioners and providers make better decisions for patients, service users and communities.
"The Government’s decision to retain and reform the Healthwatch model ensures that people will continue to have an independent organisation they can turn to for advice, advocacy and representation.”
- Chris McCann, Acting Chief Executive at Healthwatch England