Transition to Healthwatch

In 2011 the government announced that local HealthWatch will be the new independent consumer champion for health and social care. 

When launched in April 2013, HealthWatch will play a role at both national and local level and make sure that the views of the public and people who use services are taken into account. A national body - HealthWatch England - will also be launched. This will sit within the Care Quality Commission.

The Department of Health have announced seventy five Healthwatch pathfinders nationally. They are piloting plans prior to the full establishment of Healthwatch. The pathfinders in this region are in Barnsley, Bradford, Doncaster, Leeds, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, Sheffield, Wakefield and York/