Burnham-On-Sea MP Ashley Fox has challenged the Health Secretary over the Government’s plans to abolish Healthwatch Somerset, warning that patients must continue to have a strong independent voice in local NHS services.
Healthwatch Somerset is the independent statutory champion for people who use health and social care services in Somerset.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the local MP raised concerns about the impact of abolishing local Healthwatch organisations as part of the Government’s reorganisation of the NHS.
Ashley asked the Health Secretary how she could be confident that patients’ views would continue to be heard, particularly at a time when health services in Somerset need improvement.
In response, Health Secretary Yvette Cooper said she took the importance of the local patient voice “very seriously” and confirmed that the Government would look again at the provisions surrounding Healthwatch before the proposals are considered in the House of Lords.
Following the exchange, the Burnham MP says: “Healthwatch Somerset plays an important role in making sure the experiences and concerns of local patients are heard.”
“If the Government intends to abolish it, Ministers need to be absolutely clear about what will replace it and how patients in Somerset will continue to have a strong and independent voice.”
