An explainer of the NHS Bill and how to show support for Healthwatch
The 'first reading' of the Bill takes place on 1 June 2026.
This first stage does not not involve any debate. It will, however, give a first indication of the level of parliamentary support for its various proposals, which also include the abolition of NHS England and the introduction of a new single patient record.
Before MPs gather on 1 June to hear these proposals in full, we now have the brief opportunity to contact local MPs and highlight the negative impact of abolishing local Healthwatch - including Healthwatch Milton Keynes.
To help you do this, we've put together some essential guidance on what is being proposed, why it matters, and how to voice your concerns.
Useful links about the NHS Modernisation Bill
Read more about what's included in the Bill
Track the progress of the Bill and read the proposals in full
You may find it useful to read from page 126 of the Bill, which is 'Schedule 10 Abolition of arrangements with local Healthwatch organisations' to read what it says about how Integrated Care Boards and local Councils should engage with the public.
Other useful links
The Parliament website page for the Bill's exact wording and progress.
This gov.uk website page for all assessments undertaken on Bill proposals (look for 'patient safety measures - impact assessment' and 'abolishing Healthwatch - equality impact assessment')
The King's Speech background briefing notes which include references to Healthwatch abolition as well as Healthwatch evidence in support of the single patient record plans.
Equality Impact Assessment
Government have published their Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) which outlines how their plans to abolish the entire Healthwatch network will impact patients. Here are the main areas of impact:
1. Risk to independent patient voice
- The abolition removes a statutory, independent mechanism for representing public and patient views.
- Functions will instead be absorbed into NHS bodies (e.g., Integrated Care Boards and DHSC), meaning that patient engagement becomes “system-led” rather than independent.
- This results in a reduction in challenge, scrutiny, and accountability. There is also a greater risk that feedback is filtered or less influential.
2. Potential negative impact on vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
The EIA highlights concern for groups protected under the Equality Act and those facing health inequalities. Healthwatch has played a specific role in reaching:
- People with disabilities, older people, ethnic minority communities, and people with low income or social exclusion.
- These groups may be less likely to have their voices heard without an independent advocate.
- There is a risk of widening health inequalities if engagement becomes less accessible or proactive. Removing Healthwatch from the health and social care landscape will mean losing local expertise and community relationships.
3. Possible reduction in accessibility of feedback routes
- One problem identified in the system is confusing and fragmented feedback channels.
- The Bill aims to simplify this but there is a short-term risk of confusion during transition about where to raise concerns. Longer-term, if implemented well, it could simplify engagement pathways, but success depends heavily on already overstretched and underfunded NHS bodies.
4. Impact on equality of opportunity in influencing services
Local Healthwatch currently:
- Collect lived experiences
- Amplify underrepresented voices
- Influence commissioning and policy
Without Healthwatch, there is a risk that:
- Some groups have less opportunity to influence decisions.
- Engagement becomes less representative of diverse communities.
This directly relates to the Equality Act duty to 'advance equality of opportunity'.
5. Changes in accountability and transparency
The Bill aims to:
- Clarify responsibilities
- Make it easier for patients to influence the system overall
Potential positive impact is a more direct link between feedback and decision-makers. However, a potential negative is the loss of independent escalation and the Healthwatch 'watchdog' role. Less external scrutiny could weaken transparency.
Show your support for Healthwatch: write to your MP
We will shortly be publishing a template letter so that, if you wish, you can write to your MP to raise concerns about the impact of the NHS Modernisation Bill.
Please keep checking this page!
