Health watchdog to be 'retained and strengthened'

An independent health body that represents patients and service users will stay open, more than a year after the government announced plans for its abolition.

Healthwatch Oxfordshire had been facing closure, alongside more than 150 other branches of the national network.

But the independent watchdog has now been given a reprieve, with secretary of state for health and social care Yvette Cooper, announcing plans to retain and strengthen the current model.

Dr Veronica Barry, executive director of Healthwatch Oxfordshire, said she was "delighted" the organisation can continue its "vital work listening to local people and amplifying their voices".

The Healthwatch network employs more than 500 people and is supported by 4,000 volunteers.

In Oxfordshire, representatives sit on the county's health and wellbeing boards, sharing the experiences of members of the public using health and social care services.

The organisation can make recommendations for improvements and advise people about the best way to access services and the options available to them.

In June 2025, as part of the Labour government's 10-year health strategy, the entire network had been earmarked for closure, with no clear plans for a replacement.

The then health secretary, Wes Streeting, said the system was too complex and the NHS needed "more doers and fewer checkers".

Last week, the government reversed its decision, instead calling for a strengthened Healthwatch, "so that patients' and public experiences play a greater role in improving health and social care services".

Cooper said: "I've always been clear on the importance of people and communities having a say in local services.

"We will retain both Healthwatch England and Local Healthwatch, while strengthening them to ensure patient voices are heard and can influence real change across health and care services."

She confirmed Healthwatch will play a greater role in identifying recurring concerns, including more consistent engagement, highlighting where action is needed to improve quality, safety and patient experience.

Barry said: "Across Oxfordshire there has been unanimous support for maintaining an independent voice in health and social care. We are pleased that the principle of an independent public voice in health and care has been valued, recognised and protected."

Leaders in Oxfordshire's health and social care system had been strongly opposed to the closure, twice writing to the secretary of state asking them to reverse the decision.

Chair of Oxfordshire's joint health overview scrutiny committee, Jane Hanna, said: "It's just such fabulous news so that there can be an independent patient voice for Oxfordshire going forward."