The Government has set out its intention to dismantle the Healthwatch network within the next year. As a result, our role as an independent public champion will be coming to an end.
Sometime in 2027, our statutory duties will be transferred to the NHS and Sunderland City Council.
Our strategy for 2026-27 reflects our ambitions for the time we have left. For the year ahead, we will continue to deliver our statutory role—listening to residents, highlighting issues, and working with local services to improve care.
Instead of longer-term projects, our main priority this year is to achieve impact where we can for residents. Based on this, we will concentrate our efforts in three main areas; this will include:
- Hospital Discharge
- Neighbourhood Health
- Digital tools in health.
What else is in our work plan?
In addition to the main priority topics set out above, we will also continue to:
- Provide a high-quality information and signposting service – including developing information resources.
- Use the feedback gathered by local people to look into themes – highlighting common issues identified with system providers.
- Work with our community providers to amplify more people’s views and experiences.