Our response on the future of Healthwatch Tameside

On Monday, 7 July, the Government published the Dash review, which recommends; transferring the functions of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health, and transferring the functions of local Healthwatch into Integrated Care Boards (ICB) and local authorities. 

Healthwatch Tameside express deep concern about the decision that local Healthwatch functions will be brought ‘in house’ to local authorities and ICB’s. Therefore, it is our understanding that when legislation is enacted there will be no external scrutiny from an independent patient champion. 

For over a decade, Healthwatch Tameside has served as an independent advocate for the communities it supports. We have worked to ensure transparency in service delivery, amplify the voices of patients and carers, scrutinise decisions and drive improvements through informed public engagement. Without this independent service, there is a real risk that local policy will become disconnected from the lived experiences of patients, and therefore not meet the needs of the population. 

Glyn Goodchild, Chair of Healthwatch Tameside, said: 

“The Board, staff, and volunteers of Healthwatch Tameside express profound disappointment at the decision to disestablish Healthwatch. 

It is clear to us that the removal of an independent patient champion from the core of the decision-making processes will significantly hinder both providers and commissioners in their ability to fully comprehend the perspectives of those most affected by health inequalities. 

In these uncertain times, we commend the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and stakeholders, whose efforts have brought and continue to bring clarity, accountability, and compassion to an increasingly complex health and care system. 

We are all extremely proud of our impact, recently showcased through the publication of our recent annual report, and were looking forward to building on this through the recent awarding of a renewed six-year contract to deliver an independent Healthwatch service in Tameside.

We remain steadfast in the belief that by working collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders, here in Tameside, we can protect and build on the progress we have made, ensuring that the independent voice of Tameside residents remains central to decisions that shape health and care.

Right now, nothing has changed. Our commitment to amplifying local voices, especially those most affected by inequality, continues to remain at the heart of everything we do.”

What does this mean right now?

• While these changes will happen over time, the law has not yet been changed
• This means we are still here, open, and working for you.

We continue to:

• Listen to your experiences of health and social care.
• Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services.
• Provide advice and information to help you find the support you need.