The NHS Modernisation Bill will change how patients and people who use social care services are listened to.

Under the proposed new law,  Healthwatch England’s responsibilities will move to the Department of Health and Social Care. Local Healthwatch roles will be absorbed by NHS Integrated Care Boards and local councils.

We don’t yet know when these changes will take place. The Department of Health and Social Care will provide more details as the legislation moves through Parliament.

What does this mean for the public?

For now, nothing is changing. We’re still your independent voice for health and social care, and we will keep:

  • Listening to your experiences of care.
  • Offering free, confidential advice and information to help you make the most of local services.
  • Speaking up so NHS and social care providers know what’s working and what could be better.

Your voice matters. By sharing your feedback, you help improve support for everyone in your community.

What does this mean for our partners?

We value our strong relationships with partners and stakeholders. We will continue to share our evidence with you and work together to improve NHS and social care support.

What happens next?

We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know when any new law will come into force and the work of Healthwatch will end.