Healthwatch in Greater Manchester has issued a strong statement of concern following the Government’s announcement that local Healthwatch functions will be brought ‘in-house’ to local authorities and integrated care boards.
The changes, announced after the DASH review and 10-year plan publication, risk removing the independence which vital for a trusted public voice on health and social care, say Healthwatch leaders.
Heather Etheridge, Chair of Healthwatch in Greater Manchester, said:
"An independent public voice is essential to creating a health and care system that people can trust. Without genuine external scrutiny, there is a real risk that services are left to hold themselves to account rather than being shaped and improved by the people they serve. We are proud of the impact we’ve made in and across Greater Manchester and remain committed to protecting this vital independence for the future."
In the last two years alone, over 98,000 residents across Greater Manchester have shared their experiences with Healthwatch, or contacted them for support, not services directly.
Supported by 55 staff and 174 volunteers, the network has produced 213 reports that have driven improvements in mental health, GP and dental access, and support for underserved communities.
The statement emphasises that independence matters because it:
• Gives people confidence they can speak up safely and honestly.
• Reaches those whose voices often go unheard.
• Enables constructive challenge, scrutiny and genuine accountability.
Healthwatch in Greater Manchester is calling on system leaders and partners to work together to protect this independence, ensuring people’s voices continue to shape fair, responsive, and trustworthy health and care services.
The full statement can be read here: https://healthwatchingm.co.uk/official-statement-from-healthwatch-in-greater-manchester/