Time to strengthen, not silence, people’s voices in health and care – Healthwatch York responds to recent announcements about the Healthwatch Network being abolished.
Last weekend the government announced the closure of the Healthwatch Network, including Healthwatch York. What will replace these groups isn’t clear but the role of local Healthwatch will be absorbed into local councils and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) and people will be encouraged to share their feedback via the NHS App.
For more than 12 years, Healthwatch York has worked to bring more voices to decision making in the city. From demanding better support for people experiencing mental health crisis, to highlighting the challenges for Deaf people in accessing health and care support, it has advocated for people in York.
In June 2025 alone, Healthwatch York heard from more than 150 local people who shared their experiences of local health and care services or received information about who could help them.
Siân Balsom, the Manager of Healthwatch York said: “Every day we listen to people’s stories, connect them to people and support that makes a difference to their lives and raise the voices of those too often overlooked in our health and care system. We constructively challenge partners as needed with the power of real-life stories. The information we share is rich in the detail a service review or message on the NHS App can’t provide.”
Healthwatch York has just published its Annual Report for 2024 – 2025. This report summarises what the organisation and its 30 volunteers have achieved in that time.
Despite the government’s announcement, for Healthwatch York it is business as usual. The organisation will continue until new legislation confirms the abolition and this is not expected until 2026. Their priority remains the independent voice of local people. They will be working with partners at City of York Council and Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board to make sure there is still space for this.
Anyone who wants to share their experiences of local health and care services or ask for information about who can support their health and care needs is encouraged to get in touch. The email is: healthwatch@yorkcvs.org.uk or phone: 01904 621133.