Fears over healthcare scrutiny in Leeds if independent watchdog is scrapped
Fears have been raised of a lack of accountability in the NHS if an independent health watchdog is abolished.
Healthwatch Leeds, which has helped thousands of patients since it was set up in 2012, could cease to exist under national reforms.
Its umbrella organisation Healthwatch England and 153 local groups are affected by proposals in the government’s Health Bill.
Healthwatch functions would be transferred into NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and councils if the changes go ahead.
The Health Bill had its second reading in parliament on June 1 and will now be scrutinised at the committee stage.
Jonathan Phillips and Jane Mischenko, who co-chair the Leeds group, have called on people to write to their MPs.
In a statement they said: “The bill now moves to committee stage, where MPs can ask questions, propose changes and push back on what is being proposed.
“Hearing from constituents makes a real difference.”
Healthwatch Leeds said people relied on the organisation because it was not part of the NHS or council.
The co-chairs said: “We know from our work that independence builds trust.
“Without it, there is a real risk that the people who most need to be heard will be least likely to come forward or to be listened to.”
The 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 has been told it will continue to operate in Leeds until at least March 31, 2027.
A spokesperson said: “We value the work of local Healthwatch organisations, but these changes will give patients and service users a stronger, clearer voice at the heart of health and social care.”