With the release of England’s 10-year health plan, Kingston Voluntary Action are deeply concerned about its implications for the future of Healthwatch Kingston and the potential loss of an independent patient voice in our borough.

Please refer to the statement from Healthwatch Kingston below. Additionally, NAVCA has shared comments that echo some of our concerns.  

Kingston Voluntary Action

July 2025

 

This past weekend, national media outlets including the BBC and the Daily Mail reported that forthcoming changes to Government policy will see the eventual closure of Healthwatch organisations, the National Guardian’s Office and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body. These reports were confirmed today by the release of the 10-year health plan for England. 

Currently, Healthwatch England have confirmed there is no clear timescale for these changes to take effect, but they will require legislation to be passed through Parliament. In the meantime, councils’ statutory obligations to commission local Healthwatch services will continue, and our duty remains.

Healthwatch Kingston upon Thames provides independent challenge to health and care services, commissioners and decision makers in the borough, placing the experiences, views and concerns of local people at the heart of change.

From supporting individuals to navigate complex systems to bringing vital local community feedback to national attention, we are proud of the partnerships we have built and the change we have delivered.

Thousands of Kingston’s residents have been empowered to speak up, resulting in better, more responsive care and service improvement.

Visit our website to read our full statement. If you have any questions contact info@healthwatchkingston.org.uk