Sign and share the petition backed by local Healthwatch across England to urge government to rethink the loss of independent representation for the public.

HWLincs has delivered the Healthwatch Lincolnshire service for more than a decade. Over this time, hundreds-of-thousands of local people have benefited from the statutory service’s advice and guidance.

A recent government report – the Dash review – aims for “greater emphasis being placed on the patient voice”, and the aim of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan to give greater power to patients.

Abolishing local Healthwatch and taking its function in-house is counter to this aim.

For the last 12 years, Healthwatch has worked to amplify voices which otherwise may not be heard and there has been a statutory provision of an independent service representing the public voice for more than 50 years.

Now proposals to bring public voice functions under the control of local authorities or NHS bodies threatens to compromise the impartiality, trust, and effectiveness of these initiatives.

Having an opportunity to go to an independent service for advice, help, support or to raise concerns is paramount. Independence is not optional – it is essential for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change.

HWLincs is a people-first charity dedicated to improving wellbeing and influencing change through engagement and insight.

Regardless of Healthwatch Lincolnshire’s future under these new plans, we will continue to champion public voice and continue to use our expertise to make sure all residents of Lincolnshire and beyond are heard by those who need to hear them.

Please sign and share this petition. It is supported by local Healthwatch services across England and is nationwide, so please share to friends and colleagues around the country.