Healthwatch Update
You may have seen that the NHS Modernisation Bill was announced in the King’s Speech last week. This sets out in detail the reform planned for the NHS and it focuses on simplifying national NHS bodies, centralising accountability, reforming patient safety structures, and changing how patient and public voice is captured.
The Bill has been announced but has not yet completed Parliamentary scrutiny.
As it stands:
- Healthwatch remains statutory and operational
- No confirmed timeline for abolition
- Transitional arrangements, funding implications, and safeguarding measures are not yet clear
- Legislation must pass through Parliament, including scrutiny in the House of Lords
