Abolishing patient watchdog leaves NHS 'marking own homework', councils warn

Abolishing the organisation which champions patient views on health and social care would leave the NHS "marking their own homework", a group representing local councils in England and Wales has warned.

Healthwatch is an independent body which represents the views of patients on their local health and social care providers to help improve the services they offer.

Speaking exclusively to BBC News, the Local Government Association (LGA) says that disbanding Healthwatch could create a "fragmented system" which would undermine accountability.

The Department for Health and Social Care says these changes will give patients a "stronger, clearer voice at the heart of health and social care".

The LGA says it's concerned by the lack of a plan for an alternative to Healthwatch, which currently challenges the NHS and providers of care services in the community, when patients or the public highlight problems.

They warn that disbanding Healthwatch would be a "significant step back" in accountability.

"Without an independent, locally rooted voice to challenge and represent communities, there is a risk of duplication and gaps in accountability," the LGA said.

It is calling on the government to "work with local government" and develop a "clear and workable model" which fulfills Healthwatch's role while maintaining independence.