Roy Lilley's NHSManagers.net e-Letter Podcasts Voucher
Sep 16, 2025
Explore the diminishing voice of patients in the NHS as historical public engagement mechanisms, like Community Health Councils and Healthwatch, come under scrutiny. The conversation highlights the impact of abolishing Healthwatch on public oversight and trust. Insights into how this shift affects collective advocacy and patient experiences make for a thought-provoking discussion, urging listeners to consider the vital role of public participation in healthcare.
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Ward Closures Dressed As Redecoration
- Roy Lilley recalls ward closures disguised as redecorating driven by budget pressures in older NHS days.
- He describes local community health councils as tough, knowledgeable groups that co-existed with managers to allow such compromises.
Statutory Patient Voice Has Been Dismantled
- Roy Lilley notes Alan Milburn abolished Community Health Councils and later Healthwatch was created but is now being abolished again.
- He argues removing statutory public bodies reduces formal routes for patient scrutiny and weakens accountability.
Scattered Feedback Weakens Public Accountability
- Removing Healthwatch scatters feedback across charities and social media, making dissent easier to dismiss as anecdotal.
- That erosion of visible public mechanisms risks declining trust and a sense the NHS is 'ours'.