News and reports

The NHS is under huge pressure. Many people struggle to get GP or dental appointments. Hospital waits are long, staff are overwhelmed, and care for serious conditions like cancer lags behind other countries. As the population grows older, things will only get worse unless the NHS changes. A new plan offers a bold way forward.

The NHS 10 Year Health plan proposes to abolish Healthwatch England and 152 local Healthwatch, and transfer functions ‘in-house’ to local authorities and NHS Integrated Care Boards once legislation has passed. This is a result of the Review of patient safety across the health and care landscape, led by Dr Penny Dash.

If this goes ahead as planned, it will remove the only collective, independent and statutory opportunity for the public to hold the NHS and social care system to account. 

NHS launches parent education classes in multiple languages.

The local NHS maternity team is offering parent education classes for women accessing maternity care at St Thomas’, King’s College, Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Lewisham University Hospital, and Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Run by NHS staff, these sessions help expectant mothers understand their pregnancy journey and the healthcare support available.

Languages offered: French, Spanish, Arabic (from 13 Aug), Portuguese, Somali, and Romanian.

Scan the QR code on the poster below to view class details in your preferred language and join today.

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.