Patient Safety Reform: What It Means for Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham
At Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham, we believe now more than ever in the importance of amplifying local voices. While we welcome efforts to better coordinate patient involvement, we are committed to protecting our independence and impact. Manisha Modhvadia, Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham Manager, said:
This decision is both unexpected and disappointing. Over the past twelve years, we've been the independent voice for local people, ensuring their experiences shape health and care services. We've also provided vital information and support to those who need it most.
We will be working with partners locally to ensure any reforms genuinely put people at the heart of care. As we await more details, we will seek clarity on how these changes affect our structure, funding, and responsibilities, including our staff, volunteers, and trustees.
For now, the law remains unchanged, and local authorities have been advised to continue commissioning Healthwatch services. We remain focused on championing the voices of Barking and Dagenham residents and ensuring they are heard where decisions are made.
The Review of Patient Safety can be found here.