King’s Fund Urges the Government to Keep Patients’ Voice Independent

News - 18 March 2026

Today, The King’s Fund published a report on learning from Healthwatch’s model. As the healthcare landscape evolves, the King’s Fund is calling on the Government to proactively plan for the future of patients' voice by building upon the established legacy of Healthwatch. We value their perspective and their recent review of our work.
Kink's Fund logo. Reading "Bold thinking for better health"

The Kings Fund recommends that the Government and Department of Health and Social Care proactively engage in planning for the succession of Healthwatch. This includes leveraging Healthwatch’s existing framework, and refining the current model while incorporating key insights from its established legacy.


The reports key findings were that whatever replaces Healthwatch must:

o   Remain independent
o   Retain local reach and relationships with the community. This also includes the ability to work at the scale of Integrated Care Boards
o   Focus on impact and durable change, not just on collecting and reporting information.

Mike Derry, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Richmond, commented: "We welcome the King’s Fund's review and in particular its focus on the need for a strong, independent, voice for people in our community. With the government preparing legal reforms to replace Healthwatch, we encourage them to reflect on the the principles outlined in the King’s Fund and ensure that these are enshrined in the upcoming Bill. Any changes must ensure that the public’s voice in health and care is strengthened rather than diminished."

Click here to read the King’s Fund report.

Click here to read Healthwatch Richmond’s statement on the importance of Patients’ Voice staying independent.

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