Statement on the proposed closure of Healthwatch
Statement on Proposed Closure of Healthwatch
"On Saturday 28th June 2025, the Daily Mail reported that the forthcoming Penny Dash Review will recommend the closure of Healthwatch and other independent NHS organisations. According to the report, funding for patient and public engagement would instead be redirected in-house: to Local Authorities for adult social care, and to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for health services. The stated aim is to bring the patient and public voice closer to service delivery, by embedding engagement directly within these organisations.
"We are deeply concerned by these proposals, not only because of the dedicated staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that people's voices are heard at every level of the health and care system, but also because of the implications for patients and service users.
Independence is essential to truly effective public engagement. Without it, there is a real risk that the public will lose a trusted, impartial advocate that can hold services to account and speak up without fear or favour.
"The Board and Senior Leadership Team will be meeting over the coming weeks to consider how we respond together – and how we can make a strong, collective case for the value of Healthwatch, especially while there is still time for decisions to be influenced or reversed.
"We are united in our belief in the vital role Healthwatch plays, and in the values we all share - independence, integrity, and a deep belief in the power of people’s voices to drive positive change.
"We will continue to keep you updated as soon as we have more clarity on the way forward.
"Thank you for your continued patience."
- Jess Slater, CEO of Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Contacting your MP
If any member of the public is concerned about the decision and wishes to raise their concerns formally, we encourage them to contact their local MP.
- Cambridge Constituency – Daniel Zeichner MP
Holds regular constituency surgeries every few weeks, by appointment only, available online or in person.
Call: 020 7219 8462
- South Cambridgeshire – Pippa Heylings MP
pippa.heylings.mp@parliament.uk
Call: 07751 923176
- North West Cambridgeshire – Sam Carling MP
- Ely and East Cambridgeshire – Charlotte Cane MP
Charlotte.can.mp@parliament.uk
- Huntingdonshire - Ben Obese-Jecty MP
Ben Obese-Jecty MP | Member of Parliament for Huntingdon
Ben.obesejecty.mp@parliament.uk
Call: 0207 219 7338
- North East Cambridgeshire - The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP
Steve Barclay | North East Cambridgeshire
Stephen.barclay@mp.parliament.uk
Call: 01354 656635
- St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire - Ian Sollom MP
- Peterborough – Andrew Pakes MP
Hosts a monthly advice surgery at Peterborough Town Hall, typically 10 am–12 pm. To arrange a slot, email andrew.pakes.mp@parliament.uk or call 07737 823717.
