Changes made to the Health Bill will keep Healthwatch
The decision follows months of intense pressure from MPs, healthcare campaigners, local authorities, and patient groups who warned that abolishing local Healthwatch would leave vulnerable communities without a voice.
The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said: "Patients need a voice in our NHS. I’ve always been clear on the importance of people and communities having a say in local services and that’s why I said I would review all reforms in this area.
"We will retain Healthwatch England and Local Healthwatch, while strengthening them to ensure patient voices are heard and can influence real change across health and care services."
This means that Healthwatch Wolverhampton will continue to be your local independent champion for health and care services.
Thank you
This decision has happened because people spoke up. Thank you to everyone in Wolverhampton who has supported our work, shared their views and experiences, volunteered their time, and helped ensure that local people's voices are heard. We are also grateful to our partners across the voluntary sector, NHS, local authority and community organisations who have worked with us to improve health and care services.
What next?
Our work continues. We will keep listening to people across Wolverhampton, particularly those who face the greatest barriers to accessing services and having their voices heard. We will continue to share what we learn with those who plan, commission and deliver health and care services, ensuring that local experiences help shape future improvements.
We expect more detail on the plans to strengthen Healthwatch in the coming weeks.
Stacey Lewis, Manager at Healthwatch Wolverhampton, said: "This is incredibly welcome news. We are thrilled that the Government has decided to retain and strengthen Healthwatch. This is a hugely positive outcome for local people and communities, and a clear recognition of the importance of having an independent organisation dedicated to listening to people's experiences and speaking up on their behalf.
“Every day, we hear stories from people across Wolverhampton about the challenges they face, as well as the care and support that has made a real difference to their lives. These experiences provide invaluable insight that helps shape better services and drives meaningful change.
“I would like to thank everyone who has shared their views with us, supported our work, and championed the importance of an independent public voice. This decision shows that people’s voices matter. We look forward to continuing to work alongside local communities, partners and decision-makers to ensure those voices remain at the heart of health and social care services across Wolverhampton."
