Liberal Democrats in Milton Keynes have welcomed the decision to drop plans to abolish Healthwatch, a week after warning that the move could weaken local patients’ voices.

Healthwatch gives people somewhere independent to share concerns about local health and care services, from difficulties getting appointments to problems with treatment. It then uses these experiences to push for improvements.

At Full Council last week, Liberal Democrat councillors put forward a motion on improving awareness and early diagnosis of bowel cancer among younger people, warned that abolishing Healthwatch could make it harder for residents’ concerns to be heard and influence local health priorities.

The motion was passed unanimously across the Chamber on October 21.

Liberal Democrats in Milton Keynes have welcomed the decision to drop plans to abolish Healthwatch, a week after warning that the move could weaken local patients’ voices. Photo: Pexels/cottonbro studio

placeholder image — Liberal Democrats in Milton Keynes have welcomed the decision to drop plans to abolish Healthwatch, a week after warning that the move could weaken local patients’ voices. Photo: Pexels/cottonbro studio

Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Kerrie Brabdurn who proposed the motion, said: “This is fantastic news for Milton Keynes. We opposed abolishing Healthwatch because residents need an independent voice when health and care services aren’t meeting their needs.

“If you’re struggling to get an appointment or feel your concerns about care aren’t being heard, your experience matters. Healthwatch helps bring those problems to the attention of the people responsible and presses for change.

“That’s why we raised our concerns at Full Council last week. We’re pleased the Government has listened and will keep and strengthen Healthwatch. Local people deserve to have a strong voice on the services they rely on.”