Sign and share to save independent voice
Local Healthwatch service providers across England have backed a national petition - and you can help to keep public feedback independent by signing and sharing it.
What has changed?
Nothing – yet. Healthwatch Lincolnshire still needs to exist by law. We are here to hear your health and social care feedback, and we’re still here for you if you need guidance or help.
What might happen?
The NHS 10-Year Health plan proposes to abolish Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch. Councils and the NHS will be responsible for the functions ‘in-house’ once legislation has passed.
If this happens, it will remove the only collective, independent and statutory chance for the public to hold the NHS and social care providers to account.
What will this mean for me?
This change could threaten the impartiality, trust and effectiveness of your voice and the effect you can have on the health and care services that are there to help you.
We believe, and have proved in all we do, that being able to go to an independent service for advice, help, support or to raise concerns is paramount.
Independence is not optional – it is essential for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change.
What can I do?
Please sign and share this petition. It is supported by local Healthwatch services across England and is nationwide, so please share to friends and colleagues around the country.
It is not to save local Healthwatch specifically, but is instead to urge the government to keep public voice independent, trusted and impartial.
Instead of dismantling independence, we should be strengthening it.
