Healthwatch Merton Update

We want to assure our communities, partners and stakeholders that we remain fully committed to delivering the important work of Healthwatch Merton. At this stage for Healthwatch, while no official timeline has yet been confirmed, it is business as usual and your voice still matters.  

Since 2013, we've helped many thousands of people raise concerns, access vital advice, and influence real change in the local services they rely on.  

Our legal duty to listen to your experiences and make sure your voice shapes the care you receive currently remains unchanged. 

What we know  

The government has announced that it wants to change the law to:

1. Transfer the work of Healthwatch England to the Department of Health and Social Care.  
2. Transfer the work of local Healthwatch services to the NHS and local authorities.

Until legislation is passed, the Department of Health and Social Care will advise local authorities to continue commissioning local Healthwatch services. We will work with commissioners, system partners and community stakeholders on a smooth transition in due course.  

What does this mean right now?  

While these changes will happen over time, the law has not yet been changed. This means we are still here, open, and working for you. We continue to:

- Listen to your experiences of health and social care -  

- Share what we hear with those in power to help improve services -  

- Provide information to help you find the support you need -