You may be aware of the reports about proposed changes, including the abolishment of Healthwatch within the Government’s Health Bill. Although it is an unsettling time, we want to ensure that you know we are still here and gathering your views, experiences and signposting you to services that can truly help. For us, nothing is changing right now, and our commitment is to ensuring your experiences are heard and help shape local health and social care services.
What could the Government changes mean for Healthwatch Lancashire?
The Government first proposed changes as part of the Health Bill that could see local services such as Healthwatch no longer exist in their current form in June 2025. Under these proposals, the responsibility for gathering people's experiences and challenging services within health and social care could move to NHS organisations and local councils.
Although a decision isn’t final, we expect to hear more during the House of Lords session on October 13th, 2026, and will provide an update to you all when we know more. For now, nothing is changing, and Healthwatch Lancashire remains independent and continues to listen to local people, share their experiences and work to improve health and social care services across the county.
Our team believes people must have access to an independent organisation where they can provide both positive and negative feedback on health and social care services. People’s real-life experiences help identify issues, highlight good practice, and influence improvements to local services. Not only can this hold them to account, but it can also improve local services for those who use them.
As the situation develops, we will continue to keep our website and communications up to date. In the meantime, please do continue to reach out and share your experiences of health and social care with us via our Feedback Centre, or on 01524 239100 or [email protected]