Its role is to gather and champion the views of users of health and social care services, in order to identify improvements and influence providers' plans.
Healthwatch England is a statutory body whose purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf.
The local groups work together to share information, expertise and learning in order to improve health and social care services.
Less than 4p out of every £10,000 spent on health and social care was allocated to champion the cause of consumers in the first place and even this tiny amount is failing to reach those charged with speaking out on behalf of their local communities.
The tragedies of Audrey Paley, Mid Staffs, Morecambe Bay and Winterbourne View all highlight what happens when the system fails to listen.
[9] In 2022 Sir Robert Francis resigned the chair, saying funding cuts meant the organisation could soon struggle “to fulfil its vital role".