Event

Who’s listening now? The future of patient voice in the NHS

This event hosted by UK think tank the King’s Fund explores the risks and opportunities for patient voice as Healthwatch faces abolition.

Overview

The King’s Fund hosts a June event on NHS reforms, exploring risks and opportunities for patient voice as Healthwatch faces abolition.

This is a defining moment for patient voice in the NHS. Join us at The King’s Fund for a timely discussion on what the government’s NHS Modernisation Bill means for how patients’ experiences are heard, represented and acted upon across the health system.

The proposed abolition of Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch services marks a significant shift in how patient feedback is gathered and used. At the same time, wider reforms set out in the 10 Year Health Plan include the creation of a new national patient experience function within the Department of Health and Social Care. Together, these changes present both risks and opportunities for the future of patient voice.

With the Health Bill now progressing through Parliament, there is a narrow window to influence how patient experience is embedded and strengthened in the NHS. Decisions made now will shape not only the structures of the system, but also the everyday experiences of people using health and care services.

At this event, drawing on new research from The King’s Fund and Healthwatch England, we will explore what must not be lost and what opportunities lie ahead. Topics will include:

• The opportunities and risks the NHS Modernisation Bill presents for patient experience, and how these could be improved.
• Lessons from Healthwatch England’s approach to capturing and representing patient voice.
• The implications of centralising patient experience functions within the Department of Health and Social Care, including accountability and oversight.
• How patient feedback can be translated into meaningful outcomes at both local and national levels.
• Priorities for the incoming Director of Patient Experience and how they can drive tangible change.

Speakers

The event will be chaired by Sarah Woolnough, – Chief Executive, The King’s Fund

Rt Hon. Lord Philip Hunt – former health minister

Samira Ben Omar – Community-Led Collaboration Specialist

Dan Wellings – Senior Fellow, The King’s Fund

Adam Doyle – Chief Executive, NHS Kent and Medway

Additional panellists to be confirmed shortly