Government decision on the future of Healthwatch
Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay will remain open and fully operational until at least 31 March 2027.
While the Government has announced plans to change how people’s views and experiences of health and social care are gathered in the future, no immediate local changes have been made, and our role continues as normal.
We are still here to listen, support, signpost, and ensure that people’s experiences influence how health and care services are designed and delivered across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
What has happened nationally?
In July 2025, the Dash Review was published – a national review of patient safety, patient experience and how people’s voices are heard across the NHS and social care. The review considered the roles of several organisations, including Healthwatch England and the local Healthwatch network.
The Government has confirmed that it has accepted all of the Dash Review’s recommendations. These include proposals to:
- abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations in their current form
- move responsibility for patient and public voice into statutory bodies
- create a new Patient Experience Directorate within the Department of Health and Social Care
As a result of these proposals, the Local Healthwatch Network launched a national campaign and petition, calling on the Government to protect an independent public voice in health and social care. More than 10,000 people signed the petition, triggering a formal Government response.
Any changes will require new primary legislation before they can take effect.
What the Government has said
The Government has confirmed that:
- Healthwatch England and all local Healthwatch organisations will be abolished in their current form
- A new national Patient Experience function will sit within the Department of Health and Social Care
- Responsibility for patient voice locally will be split:
- NHS Integrated Care Boards will be responsible for healthcare feedback
- Local councils will be responsible for social care feedback
- Existing arrangements will remain in place until legislation is passed and new systems are established
At present, there is no confirmed replacement model and no confirmed local timetable beyond the end of the current Healthwatch arrangements.
Our view in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay
We recognise the Government’s ambition to simplify structures and make better use of feedback to improve care. We also strongly believe that independence matters.
Every year, thousands of people across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay choose to share their experiences with us because they trust us to:
- act independently of the NHS and local authorities
- champion people whose voices are often unheard
- represent communities facing the greatest barriers to care
- challenge services constructively and transparently
Our independence allows people to speak openly, without fear or pressure, and helps decision-makers hear honest, unfiltered feedback about what is – and isn’t – working.
The Government’s response confirms that patient voice functions are moving into organisations that also plan, fund or deliver services. We are therefore seeking clarity on how independence, transparency and public trust will be protected within any future system.
What this means for you right now
There are no immediate changes to Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.
We will continue to:
- listen to people’s experiences of health and social care
- provide free, confidential information and signposting
- challenge and influence decision-makers using real-world evidence
- work with NHS, council and voluntary sector partners to improve services
- keep local people informed as we learn more
- demonstrate the impact your feedback has on shaping change
Our statutory duties remain in place, and our 2025–26 workplan – shaped by local people – continues as planned.
If you have a question, concern, or experience to share, you can contact us in the usual ways.
Our wider work and recent activity
Alongside responding to national proposals, we continue to play a central role locally, including:
- amplifying the voices of carers, disabled people and digitally excluded communities
- highlighting risks around digital exclusion, equity and accountability as services change
- working as a trusted ‘critical friend’ across health, care and the voluntary sector
We will continue to publish updates, reports and briefings on our website as the national picture develops.
What happens next?
We expect:
- further national discussion about legislation during 2026
- clearer proposals on how patient voice will work in practice
- ongoing dialogue with local and national decision-makers
We will update this page as new information becomes available.
Our priority remains unchanged:
Making sure the voices of people in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay are heard – and acted on – in health and social care.
