Councillor Jerry Roodhouse described the decision as a "victory for patients and communities" after the government confirmed on Wednesday (28 October) that the plans were being withdrawn from the NHS Modernisation Bill. Healthwatch England, which gives patients a voice on NHS services and social care, has over 150 branches nationwide working to improve health services.
The government also committed to strengthening Healthwatch England and its branches to ensure patients and communities can influence change. Councillor Roodhouse, who sits on the board of Healthwatch Warwickshire, stated: "Healthwatch England and its local branches play a vital role in ensuring patients' experiences help shape and improve health and social care services."
“"We welcome this week's Government announcement as a victory for patients and communities. We must put the patient experience at the centre of how we modernise, develop and design health and social care services, and Healthwatch puts patients' voices at the heart of the conversation."
Councillor Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships, health and wellbeing, emphasised the importance of hearing service users' authentic voices. "It's essential we hear the authentic voice of our service users - people must have a platform to share experiences, raise concerns and, when necessary, call for change," she said.
“"Retaining Healthwatch and committing to strengthening its role helps keep patients and residents part of the conversation, but listening is only the first step. We must use these experiences to improve services, challenge shortcomings and make sure our health and social care services have been designed around the needs of individuals and communities."
For more information about Healthwatch, visit www.healthwatch.co.uk.
