PRESS RELEASE: An open letter to the Secretary of State
131 local Healthwatch services across England have signed a powerful open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, including all 10 across GM, urging the government to reconsider proposals that would bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies.
The letter, which to date has been signed by 131 Healthwatch Chief Officers/Chairs warns that the proposed changes would seriously compromise the independence that makes public feedback effective and trusted.
“Bringing public voice functions in-house risks creating a system where feedback is filtered, inconvenient truths are softened, and accountability is diluted,” the letter states. “It sends the wrong message at a time when public trust in institutions must be rebuilt, not eroded.”
Healthwatch services have long served as independent champions for patients, carers, and communities - particularly those who are vulnerable or face barriers to accessing care. Their statutory independence allows them to challenge poor practice, conduct impartial research, and ensure that people’s voices are heard without fear or favour.
The letter draws on lessons from the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust scandal, where failures in local scrutiny contributed to serious harm. It argues that dismantling independent advocacy would repeat past mistakes and weaken public accountability.
“People often tell us we are the first service to truly listen and the only one that follows up to ensure they receive the support needed,” the letter continues.
The signatories are calling for a meeting with the Secretary of State and are urging the government to strengthen, not dismantle, independent public voice initiatives.
"Healthwatch across Greater Manchester wholeheartedly stand with our colleagues across the country to do what we can to protect an independent patient voice.” — Danielle Ruane, Chief Coordinating Officer, Healthwatch in Greater Manchester/
“An independent public voice is essential to creating a health and care system that people can trust. Without genuine external scrutiny, there is a real risk that GM services are left to hold themselves to account, rather than being shaped and improved by the people they serve. ” – Heather Etheridge, Independent Chair, Healthwatch in Greater Manchester.
What is local Healthwatch:
Local Healthwatch is the statutory health and social care champion for people in England. There are 152 local Healthwatch services, each commissioned by their local authority and working independently to gather public feedback, provide information and signposting, and influence improvements in care.
Annual Reach:
Healthwatch helps over one million people each year to share their experiences and access support and advice about health and social care services.
Policy Context:
The 10-Year Health Plan for England, published on 3 July 2025, and the Penny Dash Review of Patient Safety, published on 7 July 2025, both propose ending the independent patient voice by closing national and local Healthwatch bodies. They suggest transferring public engagement functions to NHS commissioners and local authorities.
Why Independence Matters:
Independent advocacy ensures that feedback is not filtered or softened and that services are held accountable. Local Healthwatch’s impartiality is essential for building trust and driving meaningful change in health and care systems.
