Our response to Government Decision to Abolish Healthwatch Network
“We are deeply saddened and concerned by the Government’s announcement to abolish Healthwatch England and the local Healthwatch network, including our own services in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
For over a decade, Healthwatch has played a vital role in giving people across our communities a voice—especially those whose concerns might otherwise go unheard. We have supported thousands of local residents to raise issues, navigate services, and influence positive change in health and social care.
If the details about this reported decision are accurate, it represents not just the loss of an organisation, but a loss of independent accountability and local insight at a time when the health and care system faces significant challenges. While we recognise the Government’s desire to reduce bureaucracy, we are concerned about what this will mean for patients and carers who have relied on Healthwatch when other channels failed.
Our volunteers and staff—passionate, dedicated individuals who live and work within the communities they serve—have worked tirelessly to ensure that public feedback leads to real improvements in care. We are proud of our record in amplifying people’s voices and contributing to a stronger, more responsive NHS and social care system locally.
As the Government begins to implement its Ten Year Health Plan, we urge decision-makers to ensure that there remains a strong, independent mechanism for public feedback—one that is accessible, trusted, and accountable. We also echo concerns raised nationally about the risk of patient complaints being lost or diverted into costly legal action.
We want to reassure our community that nothing changes immediately. We will continue to deliver our core services with professionalism and commitment until the transition process is complete – this includes independently capturing the patient voice and providing information and signposting.
The local Healthwatch service continues to be run in partnership by Colebrook South West, Engaging Communities South West, and Citizens Advice Devon. The other services provided or delivered by these three organisations remain unaffected by this potential decision.
Our thoughts are with colleagues and partners across the national Healthwatch network. Together, we will advocate for a future where people’s experiences remain central to shaping the care they receive.”
