The Health Bill: Protecting Patient Voice in the NHS and Social Care

This briefing examines the implications of the Health Bill which would abolish the current independent structures for gathering and reporting patient, carer, and care user experience across health and social care. The report outlines how the proposed reforms would transfer the functions of Healthwatch England into the Department of Health and Social Care, while Local Healthwatch responsibilities would move to Integrated Care Boards and local authorities. It explores concerns raised by stakeholders that bringing patient voice entirely in-house could weaken transparency, independence, and public accountability within the NHS and care system.