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Written question asked by Nadia Whittome (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 2 March 2026. It was answered by Zubir Ahmed (Labour) on Wednesday, 4 March 2026 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Patients: Surveys

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ensure that human, qualitative patient insight is not displaced by digital, survey-based and institution-led feedback once local Healthwatch is abolished.

Answer

As set out in the Dash Review of the patient safety landscape published in July 2025, and in the 10-Year Health Plan, the statutory functions of local Healthwatch bodies will be transferred to integrated care boards (ICBs) for health, and to local authorities (LAs) for social care.

Both ICBs and LAs will be required to demonstrate how they have gathered patient and user feedback from local people including those who do not have access to digital platforms, those who are less proficient with technology, and people for whom English is a second language.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
115968
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Digital technology Patients Standards Surveys Healthwatch
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk