Statement from Healthwatch North Tyneside on the announced closure of Healthwatch

The Board of Healthwatch North Tyneside has issued a statement in response to media reports Healthwatch England and more than 150 local Healthwatch organisations are to be scrapped.

“We are disappointed by the Government’s decision to transfer the duties of local Healthwatch to Integrated Care Boards and Local Authorities and the closure of Healthwatch England.

“We will not know the full implications of the Government’s proposals until we see the details in the NHS 10-Year Plan, the Penny Dash Review into Patient Safety, and new legislation is passed by Parliament. We expect this will take time.

“We will continue to champion the involvement of users and carers in health and care decision making in North Tyneside. We believe the best way to improve services for everyone is by having a strong, independent voice for residents—where people can share their views and experiences of all the health and care services they use.

“We have a strong programme of activities across North Tyneside for 2025/26 and are committed to delivering our Healthwatch work and other activities to a high standard and supporting as many residents as we can. We look forward to working in partnership with local organisations, service providers, and our Healthwatch colleagues across the North East and North Cumbria, to make sure local people’s voices are heard.

“We will share further information about our future as the Government’s plans become clearer.”

The announcement coincided with the publication of Healthwatch North Tyneside’s annual report, which details our work and outcomes during 2024-25.