Update on the new Health Reform Bill
The Second Reading of the proposed Health Reform Bill took place on 1st June 2026.
The key points of the proposed Bill include:
- The abolition of NHS England,
- The creation of a Single Patient Record (SPR), with the aim of creating a digital unified and secure record for the patient,
- The restructuring of the system, specifically targeting Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), partnerships and Foundation Trusts,
- The reshaping of patient voice, including dismantling Healthwatch.
In its current form, the Bill would transfer aspects of Healthwatch’s role to ICBs, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and to Local Authorities.
Crucially, there are several things that are lost in transferring the Healthwatch role:
- signposting,
- outreach sessions to marginalised communities,
- the powers to 'Enter and View' health and social care services to gather feedback from patients and staff,
- removing the independence of the patient voice, requiring ICBs to internally evaluate their own performance.
Twenty-three MPs raised concerns regarding the legislation, specifically focusing on how the proposed restructuring might impact the independence of the patient's voice.
This concern is echoed by MPs, leading health think-tanks, and professional bodies who have taken a firm stance to protect and champion a robust patient voice. Indeed, without an independent organisation to feedback experiences, patients lose the ability to shape NHS services around their specific needs. Ultimately, eroding an independent patient voice risks obscuring the foundational purpose of the NHS: the people and the quality of their care.
It feels important to highlight that our focus is not on preserving Healthwatch for its own sake, but on ensuring residents possess a powerful, independent collective voice. We are committed to holding the health and social care system accountable and guaranteeing that every individual can access the support they need to navigate their care.
On 9 June 2026, the House of Commons held the Health and Social Care Select Committee session, where MPs and the Health Secretary debated topical questions regarding the new Bill.
During the debate, Healthwatch Richmond’s work received a specific mention by Twickenham MP Munira Wilson: “When Boots decided to close two pharmacies in Hampton, leaving a large number of elderly and vulnerable residents without local pharmacy provision, Healthwatch Richmond played a crucial role in ensuring that we got a new community pharmacy in the area. That locally led patient voice cannot be replaced by officials in Whitehall or our local ICB, which is about to suffer cuts of over 50% in its operating budget. If the Minister is really serious about championing patients, will she think again?”
You can read the full Hansard transcript here, and follow the status of the Health Bill here.
The legislation entered the Committee Stage on 16th June, with proceedings expected to conclude by 16 July 2026.
Concerns were raised again regarding a potential weakening of the patient voice under the proposed structural changes. One MP questioned Dr. Dash directly, asking whether she shared concerns that the ICBs and the DHSC "will essentially be marking their own homework rather than listening to impartially collected evidence about patient experience."
When subsequently questioned on how her recommendations would address the likelihood that patients and service users might feel reluctant to raise complaints directly within the system, Dr. Dash acknowledged the validity of the concern. She noted, "I think that we do need to recognise that. I hear that as well and experience it myself; lots of people are often reluctant to come forward."
You can read the Hansard transcript here.
What can you do?
If you possess relevant expertise or a special interest in the upcoming structural changes proposed, you are invited to submit your written views to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee at this link: Health Bill: call for evidence.
Because line-by-line scrutiny has started on 16th June 2026 and the committee can conclude early, please submit your evidence as soon as possible to ensure your voice is heard.
Together, let’s protect the patients’ independent voice!
