The government drops its plan to scrap Healthwatch Brighton and Hove

Healthwatch Brighton and Hove^1,4,5,6, the independent body that collects residents’ views on health and social care, is staying. On Wednesday the government withdrew its plans to abolish local Healthwatch organisations and Healthwatch England². Brighton and Hove News³ first reported the local reaction.

A patient safety review led by Dr Penny Dash had recommended scrapping Healthwatch, and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan confirmed it. Its work would have moved to local authorities and NHS integrated care boards once the Health Bill became law. Now the government says Healthwatch will be kept and strengthened.

Local Healthwatch has legal powers and is commissioned by the council, but works independently. It gathers feedback from the public, points people to the right help and pushes for better care. The idea goes back to 1974, when Community Health Councils were set up.

Since it was created, the Brighton and Hove branch has supported nearly 4,100 people through its helpline, reviewed over 750 services and published 380 reports. More than 550 local volunteers have given it over 65,000 hours.

“After months of uncertainty it is a relief that ministers have had the courage to recognise that proposals to abolish Healthwatch England and the network of local Healthwatch, such as our own in Brighton and Hove, were mistaken,” said Geoffrey Bowden, its chair.

Chief executive Alan Boyd said: “Every day, we hear from people across Brighton and Hove about their experiences of using health and social care services. Their insights help services understand what’s working well, where improvements are needed, and how care can be made fairer and more accessible.”

He paid tribute to staff and volunteers, who kept working through “a prolonged period of uncertainty”.

Healthwatch England said it would work with local branches, councils and the NHS on reforms to improve quality and consistency across the network.

To tell Healthwatch Brighton and Hove about a health or care service, call 01273 234 040 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, or email office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk.