Healthwatch Redbridge welcomes decision to retain independent voice for local residents

On Wednesday 28 October, Health Minister Baroness Merron wrote to members of the House of Lords to confirm that the parts of the Health Bill that would have abolished local Healthwatch and Healthwatch England will be withdrawn. Local Healthwatch will continue to be commissioned by local authorities. The Government has also said it will strengthen the role of Healthwatch, so that people’s experiences have more influence on how services are improved. More detail is expected in the coming weeks as the Bill goes through the House of Lords.

The decision follows around 18 months of uncertainty for Healthwatch staff and volunteers across the country. Throughout that time, Healthwatch Redbridge has carried on listening to local people, helping residents find their way through services, and sharing what they hear with the people who plan and run care in the borough.

Gita Malhotra, Chair of Healthwatch Redbridge, said:

“People need an independent voice in decisions about their health and care, particularly those whose experiences are too often overlooked.

“Listening matters, but so does what follows. People need to know that what they tell us can influence decisions and lead to improvements and change they can see and feel.”

Healthwatch Redbridge would like to thank its staff and volunteers, and colleagues at the London Borough of Redbridge and NHS North East London, for their support during this period.