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Watchdog Avoids Being Scrapped After Government Decision Reversed
The government will strengthen the patient watchdog after pressure from health groups and local branches warned abolition would weaken accountability.
- On Wednesday, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper announced the government will retain Healthwatch England and its 150 local branches, reversing abolition plans after more than a year of uncertainty.
- Then-Health Secretary Wes Streeting had announced plans last year to axe Healthwatch, arguing there were "way too many checkers and not enough doers" in the health system and proposing to transfer functions to Integrated Care Boards.
- Responding to the reversal, the Royal College of Nursing said the government "rightfully listened" to concerns, with RCN director of policy Amber Jabbal noting abolition would have been a "significant loss" to patient accountability.
- The Department of Health and Social Care announced the service will be "retained and strengthened," with Cooper emphasizing the goal of ensuring patient voices influence real change across health and care services.
- Nuffield Trust Chief Executive Thea Stein welcomed the decision but warned this retreat must be followed by a cultural shift in the NHS, while sector think tanks noted the reversal helps "avoid unnecessary disruption.
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Health watchdog bosses welcome reprieve after outcry
The government has announced a reprieve for Healthwatch, including the Brighton and Hove branch of the watchdog, having announced their abolition last year. The U-turn was announced today (Wednesday 28 October) by the Health Secretary Yvette Cooper after more than a year of uncertainty. Healthwatch Brighton and Hove said: “Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations […]
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
100% Center
C 100%
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