| Healthwatch Sefton is joining the national call to protect the independence of local voices in health and social care, following proposals in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to abolish Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch bodies across the country.
Sefton residents and those working in the borough can help by signing a petition asking the Government to revisit its decision to abolish local independent services that speak up for the public.
Under the plans, stemming from the Review of Patient Safety across the health and care landscape led by Dr Penny Dash, Healthwatch functions would be brought ‘in-house’ under local authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards.
Healthwatch Sefton warns that this change risks removing the only collective, independent, statutory opportunity for the public to hold the NHS and social care to account, and therefore threatens impartiality and public trust in the process.
Diane Blair, Manager at Healthwatch Sefton said: “People in Sefton deserve an independent voice in health and care, one that is fearless, impartial and rooted in our communities. Independence isn’t optional, it is essential if we want transparency, accountability and real change.”
For over 12 years, Healthwatch has been a trusted route for local people to share their experiences and help shape services. Without independence, Healthwatch Sefton fears that residents, especially those facing health inequalities, will lose the confidence to speak up about their care for fear of repercussions, or being denied care in the future.
Independent public voice initiatives, like Healthwatch Sefton, are uniquely placed to:
- Act as a critical friend to services – able to raise concerns without fear or favour.
- Amplify the voices of those who often go unheard.
- Work across health, care, and community sectors to create integrated solutions.
- Provide trusted, impartial advice and support to residents.
Healthwatch Sefton is urging the Government to:
- Invest in and strengthen independent public voice.
- Work with local Healthwatch leaders to design a future that puts people first.
- Recognise that independent voices play a vital role in shaping better health and care for all.
How can people help? Healthwatch Sefton is asking residents and organisations to sign the national petition calling on the Government to review its decision.
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