Response to Government announcement about Healthwatch

News - 3 July 2025

A statement from our Chair and CEO to the recent announcement regarding Healthwatch.
envelope graphic containing a letter saying news

"You may have seen the recent news reports of the Government’s intention to transfer the statutory functions of local Healthwatch to the NHS and councils. This will require legislative change and is expected to take place during 2026.

When details of the plan are announced, we’ll be able to think and talk about our own longer-term plans as an independent charity. But we can say with certainty that our amazing team will continue delivering the work we’re already committed to for 2025-26.

Our latest Annual Report shows just how much our staff and volunteers did to help the thousands of people who spoke to us last year so we could make a difference to health and care.

Thanks to all of them, and to everyone who’s heard the news and told us how important they think Healthwatch Hertfordshire’s role is."

Ivana Chalmers, CEO Healthwatch Hertfordshire and Neil Tester, Chair Healthwatch Hertfordshire

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