Healthwatch Herefordshire’s Response to the NHS 10-Year Plan and the Future of Local Healthwatch
A Message from Our Chief Executive, Christine:
“I am shocked and hugely disappointed by today’s news.
My initial concern is for my dedicated, hardworking staff team and wonderful volunteers, who have worked so tirelessly to act on behalf of local residents over the last 12 years.
But I am also deeply concerned about the loss of independent voice and the ability to hold services to account.We will continue to deliver our core services with professionalism and integrity — nothing changes until the legal process is completed (which may be around late 2026).
We remain committed to delivering for the people of Herefordshire.
We also send our thoughts and support to the entire Healthwatch network across England at this difficult time.When more information becomes available from government about the future plans, we will update on the implications.”
Why This Matters for Herefordshire
In Herefordshire, we know how much value people place on having a truly independent, local voice to listen, report, and influence on their behalf. Over the past 12 years, we have collected thousands of stories from people across the county — from Hereford to Kington, Bromyard to Ross-on-Wye — that have helped improve services and highlight where change is needed.
That’s why we share the concerns raised by other local Healthwatch organisations across the country:
- Losing independence risks losing accountability. Our ability to speak out without fear or favour is central to delivering real change.
- Bringing patient voice “in-house” risks silencing it. There is a real danger in expecting the same organisations responsible for services to also hold themselves to account.
- Our communities deserve more, not less. The lived experiences of people in Herefordshire — especially those facing barriers and inequality — must continue to shape how services are designed and delivered.
Our Commitment to You
Let us be clear: Healthwatch Herefordshire is not closing.
We remain here to serve you — and we will continue to listen, represent, and speak up for the people of Herefordshire.
We are proud to be part of a strong, trusted, and independent network — and proud of the difference we have made by working alongside residents, providers, and decision-makers.
We welcome discussions on how to improve voice and accountability in the health and care system, but this must be done with communities, not to them.
What’s Next?
- These changes are not immediate and will require legislation, which is unlikely to be completed until late 2026.
- Until then, nothing changes operationally. Healthwatch Herefordshire continues to deliver its statutory functions as usual.
- We will engage both locally and nationally to influence any future model, ensuring that independence, transparency, and community power are protected.
- As more details emerge from the government, we will provide updates on what it means for Herefordshire.
To the people of Herefordshire:
✅ We are still here
✅ We are still listening
✅ And we will continue to make your voice count
