Loss of independent patient voice in NHS plan raises equality concerns in Surrey
Healthwatch is warning the government of overlooked issues.
Organisations involved with local Healthwatch have expressed concerns regarding the NHS 10 Year Health Plan's potential impact on patient voice.
They suggest the government's Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) may overlook the importance of independent oversight and patient engagement, as required by the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
Publishing on 17th December, the EQIA references "patient voice" and "patient feedback" extensively, with a focus on digital tools, such as the NHS App and surveys.
Local Healthwatch warns this may confuse data collection with genuine, independent patient engagement, especially for individuals already facing barriers to care.
Samantha Botsford, Manager of Healthwatch Surrey, said local people rely on their Healthwatch for independent advocacy and guidance within the health and social care systems.
Over the past decade, Healthwatch has offered oversight of services, using evidence from community engagement to influence change and hold providers accountable.
Their support targets marginalised communities, individuals with poor care experiences, and those lacking confidence in formal systems.
Research from Healthwatch Surrey highlights deep-rooted trust issues, indicating fewer than 10% of those experiencing poor NHS care make formal complaints, while dissatisfaction is expressed by over half of them.
Healthwatch organisations emphasize the need for independent scrutiny to avoid a narrow NHS vision focused solely on provider-controlled feedback mechanisms.
The EQIA does not fully assess the potential challenges marginalised or protected groups might encounter when engaging with digital feedback systems.
It also overlooks the role independence plays in building trust, balancing power, and ensuring accountability.
While proposals suggest absorbing Healthwatch functions into Integrated Care Boards and local authorities, a model preserving independence and transparency has not been clarified.