Healthwatch Richmond, based in Twickenham, has issued a strong statement criticising the government's decision to close the independent Healthwatch network, as confirmed in the recently published NHS 10-Year Plan.

The charity, which has represented local patient voices in Richmond and across England, warns that the move will significantly weaken the ability of communities to challenge NHS decisions and hold services accountable.

In a statement, Healthwatch Richmond said: "Independence is what gives patient voice power.

"The local focus is what allows it to influence the things that really matter to our community. By moving the patient voice role into ICBs like NHS South West London, both are lost."

The change was first leaked to the press and later confirmed in the NHS's long-term vision.

While the plan acknowledges the importance of patient feedback, it proposes moving this function in-house to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), rather than retaining Healthwatch as an independent advocate.

Healthwatch Richmond points to its track record as evidence of the need for a locally-focused and independent service.

The organisation played a pivotal role in the campaign to secure a new pharmacy in Hampton earlier this year, following the closure of local services.

"It was the independent local support that we were able to give that led to a much-needed new pharmacy which opened in April 2025," said the statement.

"By supporting the calls of patients, councillors and MPs with the experiences that we collected from hundreds of Hampton residents and using our statutory powers, together, we were successful at delivering this vital change."

The charity warns that the move will significantly weaken the ability of communities to challenge NHS decisions and hold services accountable (credit: Image supplied).

Other achievements cited include influencing improvements to mental health services, maternity care and A&E provision, and securing increased NHS dental funding for Richmond.

The organisation is also concerned that the future of patient feedback may become less transparent and accessible, with plans to use the NHS App and AI-driven analysis to replace community-led engagement.

"When communities need to challenge NHS decisions in the future, there will be no independent body to champion their needs," Healthwatch Richmond warned.

"Abolishing both the local and the independent aspects of patient voice and placing this within the organisations that people need support to influence is a step in the wrong direction and will be damaging to the quality of care."

The charity insists it will continue to fulfil its duties while the legislation is in place but is urging the government to rethink the direction of travel.

"People deserve an independent body that can take time to understand them, work on the things that matter to them, speak truth to power, ensure that decision makers understand their interests and hold the system to account when things go wrong."

Healthwatch Richmond is now calling on the Secretary of State for Health to reverse the decision and is appealing for support from MPs, the CQC, local government and the wider NHS to retain an independent local voice for patients.

For more information on Healthwatch Richmond's work or to share your views on local health and social care, visit healthwatchrichmond.co.uk.

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