IN the wake of the government’s announcement to abolish Healthwatch England, the Chairman of the organisation in Devon has issued a statement.

‘We are deeply saddened and concerned by the Government’s announcement to abolish Healthwatch England and the local Healthwatch network’ Dr Kevin Dixon, Chairman of Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said.

‘For over a decade, Healthwatch has played a vital role in giving people across our communities a voice—especially those whose concerns might otherwise go unheard.

‘We have supported thousands of local residents to raise issues, navigate services, and influence positive change in health and social care’, Dr Dixon added.

Healthwatch England is one of several NHS organisation set to be abolished as part of Labour's 10-year health strategy set.

Other organisations include the National Guardian's Office and the Health Services Safety Investigations Body.

Just over 200 organisations will be scrapped under the plans.

Set up in 2012 to speak out on behalf of NHS patients, Healthwatch in Devon is jointly commissioned by Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and Torbay Council.

‘Our volunteers and staff—passionate, dedicated individuals who live and work within the communities they serve—have worked tirelessly to ensure that public feedback leads to real improvements in care’ Dr Dixon said.

‘We are proud of our record in amplifying people’s voices and contributing to a stronger, more responsive NHS and social care system locally.

‘We want to reassure our community that nothing changes immediately.

‘We will continue to deliver our core services with professionalism and commitment until the transition process is complete – this includes independently capturing the patient voice and providing information and signposting’ Dr Dixon added.

To read the Chairman’s response in full, visit the Healthwatch in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay website.