NHS Accountability 2026-07-14
2026-07-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
NHS accountability is under scrutiny, particularly regarding local Healthwatch organisations which provide an independent voice for patients. There are concerns that these functions may be moved to integrated care boards and local authorities.
Local Healthwatch organisations provide an independent voice when services fall short. What safeguards will the Secretary of State put in place to ensure that as their functions are moved to the integrated care board and local authority, patients retain a genuine independent route to raise concerns? As the Local Government Association has warned, we cannot leave the NHS to mark its own homework.
ICBs will be required to publish an annual statement of how they have gathered feedback and what actions they have taken, while the new patient experience directorate in the Department of Health and Social Care will ensure that patient insight directly shapes national policymaking.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify exact safeguards for retaining independent routes to raise concerns
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
NHS accountability is under scrutiny, particularly regarding local Healthwatch organisations which provide an independent voice for patients. There are concerns that these functions may be moved to integrated care boards and local authorities.
Local Healthwatch organisations provide an important role by listening to patients and raising issues with services. What measures will the Secretary of State put in place to ensure patient feedback is heard when their functions are transferred?
ICBs will be required to publish an annual statement of how they have gathered feedback and what actions they have taken, while the new patient experience directorate in the Department of Health and Social Care will ensure that patient insight directly shapes national policymaking.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify exact measures for ensuring patient feedback is heard post-transfer
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns that trust lawyers advise trusts to ignore their duty of candour when there is the prospect of legal action, affecting accountability for bereaved parents.
The Secretary of State knows of my concern about the lack of accountability to bereaved parents because trust lawyers advise trusts to ignore their duty of candour. Will the issue be addressed in the Health Bill so that parents know trusts will always tell the truth after a tragedy?
The amendments he tabled will not be voted on today, but I understand that they raise an important issue. The Hillsborough law is due to have its Commons stages completed and will apply the duty of candour to future maternity services reviews such as those in Leeds and Sussex.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to addressing the legal advice affecting duty of candour in the Health Bill
Response accuracy