Helplines Partnership statement on the government’s decision to close Healthwatch—June 30th 2025

For many people in the UK, Healthwatch has been a lifeline.

Healthwatch exists to make sure that NHS leaders and decision makers hear the voice of those using the services and ensures their feedback is heard. Too often we hear examples where NHS services have fallen below the standard but where Healthwatch has been able to step in with the real experiences of people and facilitate the needed change.

All too frequently, these are people who would otherwise have no voice in the care they receive.

Local Healthwatch organisations speak to vulnerable people on their helpline and are skilled in helping them understand their experiences and use it to enable change. Without them, we feel the patient voice will be lost.

We are urging the government to consult with the public and stakeholders so they can understand how Healthwatch is being used and the benefit it brings. Without consultation, without alternative, the only ‘efficiency saving’ which will be made will be at the expense of the vulnerable.

We stand with Healthwatch organisations up and down the country and will be writing to the Secretary of State for Health urging him to think again.