Patients deserve an independent voice
For over a decade, Healthwatch Sheffield has played a vital role in elevating voices that often go unheard. We have supported thousands of local residents to raise issues, navigate services, and influence positive change in health and social care.
Our volunteers and staff — passionate, dedicated individuals who live and work within the communities they serve — have worked tirelessly to build trusted relationships and ensure that public feedback leads to meaningful improvements in statutory services. We are proud of our record in contributing to a stronger, more joined up and responsive NHS and social care system.
This represents not just the loss of an organisation, but a loss of independent accountability and the benefits of local insight and collective community voices. It comes at a time when the health and care system faces significant challenges and we are deeply concerned about what this will mean for patients and the public.
As the Government begins to implement its Ten-Year Health Plan, we urge decision-makers to ensure that there remains a strong, independent mechanism for public feedback — one that is accessible, trusted, and accountable.
We want to reassure our community that nothing changes immediately, we will continue to deliver our core services with professionalism and commitment. We will be working with decision makers to elevate the importance of independent public voice, and advocate for a future where people’s experiences remain central to shaping the care they receive.
