Healthwatch England Chief Executive steps down

Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, will be leaving her role this December after nearly four years at the organisation. 

Her Deputy Chris McCann will take over leading the organisation from 17 December 2025.

Commenting Louise Ansari, Chief Executive of Healthwatch England, said: 

“Working with the Healthwatch team to champion the voices of patients and communities has been a real privilege. Together, we’ve helped put key issues like improving GP access and cutting waiting times at the heart of health reform.

“We’ve also shone a light on challenges such as poor communication, long waits for ADHD assessments, and the lack of NHS dentistry—while recognising where care has been excellent.

“I’ve learned so much, not only from our dedicated staff and volunteers but also the many people who’ve shared their stories. Their experience has shown policymakers what care truly feels like from the patient’s perspective.

“I’m confident that Healthwatch England and the network of local Healthwatch will continue to amplify those voices and drive meaningful change for as long as they can.”

Commenting, Chair of Healthwatch England, Professor David Croisdale-Appleby, said:

“We’ll be sad to say goodbye to Louise, whose leadership has made a huge contribution to our work. I want to thank her for everything she’s done to ensure Healthwatch has been a strong, independent voice for patients and service users.

“At Healthwatch England and across the local Healthwatch network we’ve helped millions of people speak up about their care, and brought a national focus on health inequalities across England. Working with the NHS and social care leaders we have turned people’s experiences into meaningful improvements in the availability and quality of care.”