Healthwatch is here to stay!

Great news for public voice across Derbyshire and beyond!

The Government has announced that plans to abolish Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations will now not go ahead.

This means you still have an independent place toturn to in Derbyshire. You can continue to share your experiences of health andcare, get advice, and be sure someone is listening.

The Government has also said it will strengthen Healthwatch, so that we can take what people tell us and ensure it has more influence on how services are planned and improved.

Thank you!

The decision to keep Healthwatch happened because people spoke up – proof of the power of public voice!

Thank you to everyone in Derbyshire who backed us, including those who wrote to their local MP, the thousands of people who shared their experiences with us, and our partners across the health and care sector.

‍What happens next?

Throughout this period of uncertainty for Healthwatch Derbyshire, our dedicated and hard-working team has continued to provide help to people across our region when they’ve needed it most.

Now, that uncertainty is gone - instead there is agreat opportunity for change and improvement across health and care. We expectmore detail on the plans to strengthen Healthwatch in the coming weeks, and will tell you as soon as we know more.‍

Whatever happens:

We will continue to be a champion for independent public voice across Derbyshire, especially for those who find it hardest to access the services they need and who struggle to have their voice heard.

We will keep sharing what we learn with the people who plan and run health and care services to help them improve your services.

We will keep on listening to your experiences and continue to be here when you need us most.

In short - our work continues as normal.

Finally, Healthwatch Derbyshire would like to acknowledge the contributions of all our staff, volunteers, board and steering group members, health and care system partners, and all our supporters - thank you all for your commitment in uncertain times, and for helping us to do what we do.

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