Government Proposals Effecting the Future of Healthwatch
Here’s what’s being recommended:
- Moving the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health.
- Moving the work of local Healthwatch to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and local authorities.
- The government has agreed to these recommendations and will make them law when they can. This means that local Healthwatchs’, including Healthwatch Enfield, will close.
What does this mean for Enfield residents?
For now, nothing has changed regarding our plans and activities for this year. Everything will continue as usual until the new laws are passed. The Department of Health and Social Care has told local authorities to keep supporting local Healthwatch services until then. This is mostly likely to be until October 2026.
In the meantime we are still here for you, Healthwatch will keep:
- Gathering and sharing feedback from patients and the public.
- Helping residents navigate health and social care systems.
- Working with providers and commissioners to improve services.
This news has been tough for all of us at Healthwatch Enfield. We’ve seen the great things this model can do—like engaging with communities, spotting local issues and inequalities, and working with others to improve services.
We’re proud of what our team and volunteers have achieved, and we’re worried about losing this important way for the public to have their say.
If you would like to read more about the 10 Year Health Plan plan click below.
