Agenda item

The Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and the Chair of Healthwatch Rutland submit a report setting out the concerns of the three local Healthwatch organisations regarding Government proposals set out in the Health Bill 2026/27 that would result in the closure of Healthwatch services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR). Healthwatch is the statutory, independent champion for people who use health and social care services.

The paper sets out its purpose, provides background and context on the Healthwatch role, outlines the risks associated with discontinuing Healthwatch provision, highlights the value Healthwatch delivers and presents recommendations for the Committee.

The Committee received a report from the Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire and the Chair of Healthwatch Rutland regarding the potential impact of Government proposals to abolish local Healthwatch services.

The Chair noted that representatives from partner organisations had been unable to attend the meeting and invited the Chair of Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire to present the report.

The following was noted:

       Government proposals could result in the abolition of local Healthwatch services and the introduction of alternative arrangements for gathering patient and public feedback on health and social care services.

       Healthwatch currently provide an independent statutory voice for patients, carers and service users across health and social care.

       The work of Healthwatch included community engagement, observation visits, escalating concerns, helping people navigate health and care systems and ensuring that patient experiences informed service improvement.

       Concerns were raised that there remained insufficient clarity regarding the arrangements that would replace Healthwatch and how an independent patient voice would be maintained under any new model.

       Healthwatch representatives highlighted the potential risks associated with the loss of an independent organisation through which residents could raise concerns about health and care services.

       Particular concern was expressed regarding the impact on individuals who were less likely to engage directly with statutory organisations, including those who were digitally excluded or from seldom heard communities.

       Healthwatch had undertaken a wide range of engagement activity across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, including work relating to women’s health, temporary accommodation, dementia services, suicide prevention, male mental health and support for self funding care users.

       Examples were provided where Healthwatch engagement and visits had contributed to improvements in local services, including services within University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

       Current funding arrangements for Healthwatch services had been confirmed until March 2027.

       The report requested that the Committee consider the potential implications of the proposed closure of local Healthwatch services and seek assurances that effective and independent arrangements for patient and public involvement would be maintained.

In discussion with Committee Members and Officers, the following was noted:

       Members expressed concerns regarding the potential loss of an independent voice for patients, carers and service users and questioned the rationale behind the Government’s proposals.

       It was explained that concerns had previously been raised with Government regarding the proposals and the importance of retaining an independent mechanism through which patient and public experiences could be gathered and escalated.

       Members recognised the significance of an independent organisation that could raise concerns on behalf of residents without those concerns being managed directly by service providers.

       Concerns were expressed that transferring responsibility for public and patient engagement to statutory organisations could create a perception that organisations were assessing their own performance, reducing public confidence in the independence of the process.

       Members noted the breadth of work undertaken by Healthwatch and the value of intelligence gathered from local communities, which may not otherwise be reported directly to NHS organisations or local authorities.

       It was highlighted that many residents may be reluctant to raise complaints directly with health providers and valued the impartial support provided by Healthwatch when navigating complaints and concerns.

       Members emphasised the importance of retaining routes for engagement with elderly residents, vulnerable groups and those who may face barriers to using digital services.

       The Committee heard that, whilst discussions regarding the future arrangements were ongoing, Healthwatch services were currently expected to cease operating from March 2027.

       Members acknowledged the contribution made by Healthwatch in supporting co-production, informing service improvement and ensuring that services reflected the needs of local communities.

       It was suggested that there was a need to demonstrate both the social value and financial value of Healthwatch services, including the contribution made to service improvement and prevention.

       Members expressed concern that the closure of Healthwatch could result in an increase in complaints being directed to elected representatives and Members of Parliament.

       Support was expressed for the principle of retaining an independent organisation to represent the views of patients and service users across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

AGREED:

1.     That the report be noted.

2.     That the Committee express its concern regarding the proposed abolition of local Healthwatch services and the potential loss of an independent voice for patients and carers.

3.     That the Chair write to Members of Parliament across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, setting out the Committee’s concerns regarding the proposals and highlighting the value of local Healthwatch services.

4.     That any future developments relating to the proposed closure of local Healthwatch services be reported to the Committee as appropriate.