Healthwatch Shropshire is urging people to take action and sign a petition to stop the government’s plans to scrap independent local Healthwatch services. These services have been the only statutory, impartial mechanism for the public to hold the NHS and social care systems to account, and they must remain independent.

Under proposals in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch bodies would be dissolved, with their functions absorbed by local authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards. This move follows the Dash Review on patient safety, which highlights the importance of strengthening the patient voice. However, transitioning public voice functions away from independent services raises concerns about how that ambition will be achieved.

For over 50 years, the public has had access to independent support and advocacy in health and care. Healthwatch has amplified voices that often go unheard, especially those facing health inequalities. Independence is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Without it, transparency, trust, and meaningful change are at risk.

We urge the government to:

  • Revisit its decision to abolish local independent services that speak up for the public
  • Consult with the public to co-design a service that meets their needs and supports the NHS to realise its ambitions
  • Invest in and strengthen independent public voice initiatives

Independent Healthwatch services offer:

  • A voice for the vulnerable, engaging communities facing health inequalities and identifying barriers to access
  • Trusted and impartial support, providing safe spaces for honest feedback from people who may lack trust in provider-led channels
  • Community-driven insight, shaped by lived experience rather than institutional agendas
  • A bridge across sectors, connecting voluntary organisations, local authorities, health services, and communities
  • A critical friend role, working constructively with local stakeholders while remaining free to raise concerns without fear or favour

The public deserves a voice in shaping health and care. That voice must remain independent to be effective. Local Healthwatch leaders are ready to co-design a future that puts people first and supports the NHS’s ambitions for more inclusive, responsive care.

Sign and share the petition: Keep independent services that give the public a voice in NHS and Social Care

Your voice matters in shaping the future of health and care. It must stay independent to truly make a difference. Sign the petition today to protect the power of public voices and ensure change happens where it’s needed most.

Healthwatch Shropshire

Healthwatch Shropshire is your local health and social care champion. From Whitchurch to Ludlow and everywhere in between, we make sure NHS leaders and other decision makers hear your voice and use your feedback to improve care.

Contact us enquiries@healthwatchshropshire.co.uk / 01743 237884

Healthwatch Shropshire is hosted by Community Resource, supporting the need to amplify local voices in health and social care.

Community Resource is a charity that is committed to making life better for people and communities facing challenges in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.

Our vision is for a county full of strong, local communities where everyone gets the support they need.

Our mission is to enable people to enjoy a good quality of life and empower people to help their communities thrive.

Contact us marketing@community-resource.org.uk / 01743 360641