Our response to reports on proposed Sustainability and Transformation Plans

Responding to media reports on proposed Sustainability and Transformation Plans, National Director of Healthwatch England, Susan Robinson, said:

“People tell us they clearly recognise the huge pressure the health and social care sector is under at the moment and that things have to change, but they want to be part of the process and share their ideas from the very beginning, not just consulted at the end.

“Reports about these plans will obviously be of concern to the communities mentioned and, unless the way people are engaged in making big decisions improves, the approach taken so far risks undermining wider public confidence in the NHS.

“Healthwatch stand ready to help bring the public and policy-makers together, and I would urge anyone who has questions or concerns about any proposed changes to get in touch with their local Healthwatch so that we can ensure everyone has their say.”

Across the country local Healthwatch are sharing the experiences and views of people to help shape health and social care in their areas, including Sustainability and Transformation Plans.