News and reports

The Government is planning big changes.

Healthwatch is set to be abolished by 2027 with our work moved to councils and the NHS.

Fill out our latest survey and help shape how local NHS and care services listen to local people in the future.

On Saturday 28th June 2025, it was reported that the forthcoming Penny Dash Review will recommend Healthwatch England be dis-established along with other independent NHS organisations. According to the report, funding for patient and public engagement would instead be redirected in-house: to Local Authorities for adult social care, and to Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for health services. The stated aim is to bring the patient and public voice closer to service delivery, by embedding engagement directly within these organisations.

Each quarter, we publish the experiences of patients that we have accumulated. This helps us to see trends in care compared to previous months.
During this quarter, we spoke to about 1048 residents in our borough at Hospitals, GP services, pharmacies, healthcare facilities and community settings.

In 2024-25, Healthwatch Lewisham continued championing the voice of local residents- ensuring your experiences drive real improvements in health and social care services. Despite internal transitions, including staff changes, we have published 10 impactful reports, held 276 engagement activities, and gathered insights from over 3,500 people.

Healthwatch Lewisham staff and Enter & View Authorised Representatives carried out a visit in October 2024, to M Power Care Home, in Catford. During our visit, we spoke with staff, family, and service users about their experiences.

If you currently work in safeguarding or are a student, you can access the Safeguarding Adult Reviewer’s training programme, run by the Social Care Institute for Excellence.

Event information:

Date: Tuesday 20 May
Time: 2.30 - 4:30 PM
Location: Honor Oak Community Centre, 50 Turnham Rd, London SE4 2JD

If you are interested in joining, sign up!

Healthwatch Lewisham is joining the University Hospital Lewisham for Dementia Action week on Tuesday, May 20 from 2-4 pm. Come to our stall and talk to us.

In collaboration with Age UK, the Alzheimer's Society is hosting various events through the week to promote awareness about dementia and how to get help.
Register your interest to take part in these activities and learn more.

Open for all, a wonderful opportunity to take a break and share a picnic.

Date: 12 May, 2025
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Venue: Ladywell Fields Lewisham

See the poster below for more information

Healthwatch Lewisham staff and Enter & View Authorised Representatives carried out a visit in September 2024, to Alexander Care Home in Ladywell. Operated by HC-One Ltd., the home specialises in residential care for older people with dementia. It also provides specialist care for long-term health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.

What areas of health and social care would you want us to focus on for the year 2025-26? Whether you are a resident or a partner, we want to hear from you.