Worries have been expressed about the effects on health and care services in Surrey if a patient representative body is removed, with one council member stating that ministers would be able to “do their own evaluation.”
Healthwatch Surrey was established in 2013 to provide individuals with an opportunity to contribute to the enhancement and development of NHS, health, and social care services.
It is among 153 local groups scheduled to be eliminated as part of thegovernment’s health strategy.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) stated: “Hearing patients’ perspectives should not be delegated – this should remain a fundamental part of the NHS’s responsibilities.”
Samantha Botsford, the head of Healthwatch Surrey, mentioned that individuals depend on them to serve as an “independent voice.”
She stated: “We receive daily feedback from residents who require assistance, support, and equitable treatment.”
Ending Healthwatch would mute those voices when they are needed the most.
Jane, not her actual name, leads a support group for individuals who have experienced domestic violence.
She mentioned that Healthwatch Surrey has served as “a link between the community and healthcare services.”
She mentioned that it has assisted general practitioners in recognizing the requirements of individuals who have gone through abuse, and she would feel “deeply let down” if it were removed.
“Individuals who have experienced domestic abuse are more likely to interact with the NHS and general practitioners than with any other service, making it crucial for GPs to be able to identify the indicators,” she said to Radio Surrey.
‘Castastrophe’
Surrey County Council (SCC) has stated it plans to send a letter to Health Secretary Wes Streeting regarding the matter.
During a meeting held on Tuesday, December 9, Trefor Hogg, chair of SCC’s Adult and Health Select Committee, mentioned that officials are suggesting the creation of a central “patients experience directorate” to take the place of local Healthwatch organizations.
“They are certainly capable of grading their own work,” he stated, expressing concern that NHS and social care services will not receive adequate oversight in the future.
In truth, the local independent integrated perspective, encompassing both healthcare and social services, will disappear… it poses a risk of a developing catastrophe.
Council discretion
The Department of Health and Social Care stated: “We are taking action to streamline the process so that input from patients and individuals is directly delivered to those accountable for their care.”
We appreciate the efforts of local Healthwatch groups, yet this reform will empower patients and service users to have a more powerful and distinct voice, ensuring their experiences remain central to health and social care.
Nevertheless, if any council wishes to collect local patient opinions independently, they have the authority to determine the most effective method of doing so after the obligation for Local Healthwatch is removed.
Follow Surrey onFacebook, on X, and on Instagram. Submit your story concepts tosoutheasttoday@.co.ukor message us on WhatsApp at 08081 002250.
- Thousands of NHS organizations to be eliminated
- Online GP services cause confusion among patients, according to a report
- Healthwatch Surrey
- Department of Health and Social Care
About the Author
