Healthwatch Stockport Borough, launched in June after the old service shut in March, will not be abolished, the Government has confirmed. Here is what it does.
Stockport will keep its independent patient watchdog. The Government has confirmed it will not go ahead with plans to abolish local Healthwatch organisations or Healthwatch England, and Healthwatch Stockport Borough says that secures its future after months of uncertainty.
The service is only a few months old. According to its press release, issued on 29 October, the previous Healthwatch Stockport closed in March 2026 and the new Healthwatch Stockport Borough launched in June 2026. It says it will now “continue to grow and strengthen its work across the borough”.
“A great day for patients and the public in Stockport”
Ruth Passman, chair of Healthwatch Stockport Borough, said ministers had listened:
“I warmly welcome today’s announcement. Ministers have listened to the strong and widespread evidence about why it matters that patients and the public retain an independent voice in shaping the health and social care services they depend on.
“This decision allows us to build on the best of what local Healthwatch has achieved, and to share good practice across the country.
“The past year has been a period of real uncertainty for Healthwatch, and this announcement means we can now face the future with confidence. It is a great day for patients and the public in Stockport.”
Andrew Griffiths, the service’s chief operating officer, called it “a relief after a turbulent 18 months”:
“Today’s announcement is hugely welcome and a relief after a turbulent 18 months. We have never faltered in our work and have always maintained that independent patient and public voice is vital. The work local Healthwatch organisations do across the country ensures that voice is heard by providers. We will continue working hard to ensure meaningful change is made.”
What Healthwatch Stockport Borough does
The organisation describes itself as the independent champion for people who use health and social care services in Stockport. It says it:
- listens to people’s experiences of health and care services
- speaks up on their behalf, so local stories shape local services
- helps people find their way around the health and care system and the support they need
- shares what it hears with NHS leaders and the local council to improve services
Every week, it says, it helps people facing barriers to getting care, people who find the system hard to navigate, people who need help understanding letters, and people who simply want someone to listen to their story.
What it means for you
If you have had a good or bad experience of a GP, hospital, dentist, care home or other service in the borough, Healthwatch Stockport Borough is the body whose job is to hear it and pass it on. It is open to everyone:
- Phone: 0161 464 6300
- Email: info@healthwatchstockportborough.co.uk
- In person: the team says it is regularly out in the community, and posts upcoming events and chances to meet them on its Facebook page.
It is also looking for volunteers to give time and skills to help improve local health and care. Details are at healthwatchstockportborough.co.uk.
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