Abolishing patient watchdog leaves NHS 'marking own homework', councils warn
The abolition of Healthwatch, the patient watchdog, has raised concerns among local councils about accountability in the NHS. The Local Government Association warns that this move could lead to a fragmented system where the NHS is 'marking its own homework.' The government claims that the changes will enhance patient voices in health and social care decision-making.
- ▪Healthwatch is an independent body that represents patient views on health and social care services.
- ▪The Local Government Association warns that disbanding Healthwatch could undermine accountability and create a fragmented system.
- ▪The government's plan involves transferring Healthwatch's responsibilities to integrated care boards and local authorities.
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Abolishing patient watchdog leaves NHS 'marking own homework', councils warn43 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleJoe McFaddenHealth reporterGetty ImagesAbolishing the organisation which champions patient views on health and social care would leave the NHS "marking their own homework", a group representing local councils in England and Wales has warned.Healthwatch is an independent body which represents the views of patients on their local health and social care providers to help improve the services they offer.Speaking to BBC News, the Local Government Association (LGA) says that disbanding Healthwatch could create a "fragmented system" which would undermine accountability.The Department for Health and Social Care says these changes will give patients a "stronger, clearer…
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