National report: The future of patient voice – learning from the Healthwatch model
- Healthwatch Wokingham
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
In June 2025, the government announced plans to close Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch organisations, with responsibilities expected to transfer through legislation to other parts of the system (subject to confirmation).
Following this announcement, The King’s Fund has today published a report 'The Future of Patient Voice: Learning from the Healthwatch Model' (commissioned in part by Healthwatch England but developed independently by think tank The King’s Fund). The report looks at the strengths and challenges of the Healthwatch model since launching in 2013, along with the importance of patient voice now and in the future.
You can view the summary and full report on The King's Fund website.
We’re still here, we’re still listening
Healthwatch Wokingham Borough continues to operate independently, giving a voice to people in our community. We will keep doing this until any legislative changes take effect.
"As your local Healthwatch, our commitment to the community remains unchanged. We know how much trust people place in us when they share their experiences, and we have worked hard to turn that insight into real change through the reports and recommendations we’ve developed together with our residents and partners.
We will continue to champion local voices, make sure the issues you’ve raised are acted on, and ensure that the public’s views are not lost in the neighbourhood transition or in whatever comes next.
Our focus is, and will always be, making sure that what matters to local people shapes the health and care services they rely on."
Alice Kunjappy-Clifton, Lead Officer, Healthwatch Wokingham Borough
