'Your support made a real difference': U-turn on plans to scrap health watchdog
Fears were raised over lack of accountability in the health system
An independent health watchdog has avoided being scrapped after a government decision was reversed.
Healthwatch Leeds will continue to provide support and advice to NHS patients in the city.
Fears were raised over a lack of accountability in the health system after the government planned to abolish England’s Healthwatch organisations.
A campaign was launched and people were urged to write to their MPs.
Now health secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans to retain and strengthen the groups.
Jane Mischenko and Jonathan Phillips, co-chairs of Healthwatch Leeds, said: “This is fantastic news for people in Leeds.
“We want to thank everyone who backed the campaign to keep an independent voice for people and communities, including the people of Leeds, our partners across health, care and the voluntary sector, and local politicians.
“Your support made a real difference.”
The Leeds organisation, based at the Old Fire Station in Gipton, helps people share their experiences of GP services, hospitals, mental health care, dentistry and social care.
Healthwatch Leeds said people relied on the organisation because it was not part of the NHS or council.
The group has helped thousands of people since being set up in 2012.
Under the earlier plans, Healthwatch would have been absorbed into England’s NHS integrated care boards and local authorities.
Its umbrella organisation Healthwatch England and 153 local groups were affected by proposals in the government’s Health Bill.
The government’s announcement ends months of uncertainty for local Healthwatch groups.
The Leeds co-chairs said in a statement: “We’re proud to keep that independence and to keep listening, especially to those facing the greatest barriers to good health and care.”