Healthwatch Cornwall Joins National Call to Protect Independent Patient Voice

Cornwall’s independent health voice under threat, say 130 services across England

Healthwatch Cornwall is one of 130 local Healthwatch services that have signed a national open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, warning against government proposals that could bring their role under the control of local authorities and NHS bodies.

The letter, representing 86% of the Healthwatch network in England, raises concern that such a change would undermine the independence that makes public feedback trusted and effective.

Call for a rethink

The signatories are urging the government to reconsider and instead focus on strengthening independent public voice organisations. They have also called for a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss the implications of the proposed changes.

“Healthwatch Cornwall is still here, still active, and still independent,” said Healthwatch Cornwall CEO Debbie Gilbert.

“We’re a statutory part of the Care Act 2014 and until that changes, we remain the only independent voice for people using health and care services in Cornwall.

“We also help relieve pressure on the system by signposting people to the right care and supporting them through complex services.”

Cornwall’s unique challenges

Debbie, who grew up in Cornwall, said that decisions made at national level often don’t reflect the lived realities of Cornwall’s population, especially when it comes to issues like digital exclusion, transport gaps, and access to services.

“People feel a genuine connection to Cornwall, not just because of the scenery, but because of the strength of tradition, the resilience of our communities, and our way of life.

“But Cornwall isn’t just picturesque — we’re made up of dispersed towns, coastal villages, and rural areas where infrastructure can be fragile.”

She added, “That’s why Healthwatch Cornwall is vital. We understand the nuance. We live it. We speak to people every day who need care but feel disconnected from systems designed elsewhere.

“If Healthwatch goes, who speaks up for the people in St Just, on the Lizard, in Bude? We are that voice. Independent, embedded, and accountable only to the people of Cornwall.

“Remove Healthwatch, and you remove the only watchdog the public has — a silence that should worry everyone.”

What next?

The government has not yet publicly responded to the letter. Until any legal change is made, Healthwatch Cornwall will continue to operate independently as laid out in the Care Act 2014.

No hyperlink was provided in the release, and the date of the letter or the specific government proposal timeline is currently unknown.