Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Local Healthwatch are asking the government to revisit its decision to abolish local independent services that speak for the public.

The rule, which was previously rolled out in 143 pilot sites, enables patients and families to seek an urgent review if their condition deteriorates.

On 28 July, coverage in the BBC and other outlets announced a number of health-related agencies are being closed down – including Healthwatch. These proposals come from the yet-to-be-published Dash Review and form part of the government’s wider 10-Year Health Plan.