National petition triggers government response - please continue your support

News - 5 December 2025

We are calling for ongoing public support as the national petition challenging government plans to abolish local Healthwatch services surpasses 10,000 signatures — the threshold that requires a formal government response.
In the top corner of the image is an icon of a pen making a signature against a bright pink background. In the middle is text: Protect the independence of local voices in health and care - Sign our national petition to the government. Underneath is a tciked box beside 10,000 signatures and an unticked box beside 100,000 signatures. There is a QR code and then the words: #ProtectIndependentVoice.

Despite the government response restating its intention to proceed with the abolition of local Healthwatch, public and political opposition is accelerating. 41 MPs, including 5 from Surrey, have written to ministers urging them to rethink the plans. A further 35 MPs have backed an Early Day Motion opposing the abolition, including 6 representing Surrey.

This growing support underscores the vital role Healthwatch plays in ensuring the public’s experiences influence decisions about the future of health and social care.

Why Healthwatch matters – Our impact in Surrey

Our latest impact report highlights the difference an independent, community-rooted Healthwatch makes:

  • Community-led support

Growing numbers of residents have sought help with Continuing Healthcare (CHC). After extensive conversations and work with the NHS CHC team, we created clear guidance videos and signposting materials to be used in communities across the county.

  • Partnership working with the NHS

At Frimley Park Hospital, we gathered patient insights and supported volunteers to review and improve patient information materials ensuring patients receive the information they need.

  • Insight-driven evidence

We involved people who cannot leave their homes and explored if they are having their needs met by community health and care services, amplifying the voices of those most at risk of inequalities.

  • Rooted in the community

To support Surrey’s latest Sexual Health JSNA, we gathered views from 594 young people across 9 colleges, helping Public Health respond directly to questions, concerns, and misconceptions.

  • A voice for all

Research into mental health support for people with learning disabilities has already prompted updates to Surrey County Council’s learning disability webpages, improvements to the Annual Health Check process, and a review of reasonable adjustments across Mindworks Surrey.

  • National influence

As part of the national Healthwatch network, Surrey’s insight contributes both locally and nationally to shaping future health and social care.

How you can take action:

  • Sign the national petition calling for a review of the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch.
  • Write to your MP to express concerns about the potential loss of local voice and accountability.
  • Share your experiences of health and social care so Healthwatch Surrey can continue to influence improvements.

Sign our national petition

Protect the independence of local voices in health and care - Sign our national petition calling on the government to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwacth.

Sign the petition

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The front page of the impace report. A photo shows a young child wearing glasses. She is outside holding onto the rung of a climbing frame.

Quarterly impact report - July to September 2025

This report highlights our major impacts throughout our second quarter of 2025/26 (July to September 2025). This quarter 677 people shared their experiences with us. Our work covered a wide range of health and social care, including Continuing Healthcare funding, services provided for those unable to leave their home, mental health support for people with learning disabilities, and information provision. The report also highlights the support provided to individuals through our Helpdesk and Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service.
Report
In the top corner of the image is an icon of a pen making a signature against a bright pink background. In the middle is text: Protect the independence of local voices in health and care - Sign our national petition to the government. #ProtectIndependentVoice . At the bottom right is the QR code for the petition

Sign our petition to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch and protect the independent voice

In light of the government’s proposals to abolish local Healthwatch and therefore remove the only collective, independent and statutory opportunity for the public to hold the NHS and social care system to account, local Healthwatch have put together a petition to protect the independent voice. This calls on the government to review the decision to abolish independent local Healthwatch. We ask for your support in signing it.
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