Healthwatch Richmond's independent voice for patients and the public is under threat as proposed reforms in the Health Bill aim to abolish the organisation and transfer its functions to Integrated Care Boards and local authorities. The Bill is expected to come into force at the end of March 2027, marking the end of Healthwatch Richmond from that point.
Mike Derry, Chief Officer at Healthwatch Richmond, expressed concern that the proposed reforms could weaken the independent voice of the public, particularly marginalised groups. He noted that while the intention to abolish Healthwatch has been confirmed, the answers to the questions that prompted the organisation to cease outreach activity remain uncertain.
Beyond its 'Enter & View' powers and signposting service, Mr Derry highlighted that some of Healthwatch's work, including certain powers, may not be fully transferred to other organisations. He also expressed concern about the continuity of an end-to-end, all-encompassing signposting service
which Healthwatch currently provides.
Councillor Penelope Frost voiced support for Healthwatch's work, particularly its independent voice, and Denise Madden agreed, highlighting the value of Healthwatch's input into transformation and development work. Ms Madden also noted the alignment of Healthwatch priorities with neighbourhood initiatives and welcomed the transition of contact to neighbourhood groups, stating, I'd really welcome support with how to do that, who to speak to, who to work with to drive that forward.
Mr Derry acknowledged the need to transition engagement to neighbourhood groups and welcomed support in achieving this. However, he raised a significant challenge regarding the transfer of functions to Integrated Care Boards and local authorities: one of the big challenges is if everything moves into the public sector, will people be able to speak out against the challenges when they think things are going wrong? And perhaps the answer to that is, well it doesn't look like they've been able to do so.
The Board noted the planned abolition of Healthwatch and agreed to consider the future of patient voice once further clarity emerged. The Health Reform Bill has been published, and the organisation anticipates its full implementation by the end of March 2027.
