A new petition to Parliament calls on the Government to protect the statutory powers of Healthwatch, powers that ensure real people can influence real decisions.
We've published new research showing that there are significant gaps between the choices patients want when booking a GP appointment and the ones they are offered. But what choices should you get at your GP practice?
The Government has announced proposed changes to the way Healthwatch operates across the country. These include:
1. Transferring the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health and Social Care, and
2. Moving responsibility for local Healthwatch services to the NHS and local authorities.