Danny WilkinsonHealth watch Leeds is currently the city’s independent way for people to share their experiences of care. It is about to be axed ahead of the Health Bill debate on 1st of June which could affect how people in Leeds are heard in the NHS and social care. The debate is going to be held in Parliament which could look to scrap Healthwatch England and all 153 local Healthwatch organisations across England.
Leeds residents face losing their independent voice in the NHS and care and currently there are no plans to replace it. For the first time in 50 years, people in Leeds could be left without an independent voice in health and care after the government confirmed plans to abolish Healthwatch Leeds, which was created in 2012 because the health system needed someone outside the system to hear what was really going on.
Under the bill’s proposals,153 local healthwatch organasitions would be absorbed into just 27 integrated care boards, many of which are themselves being merged and reconstructed.
Healthwatch Leeds is confirmed to continue until 31 March 2027, but after that, it’s fate will be unknown.
Jonathan Phillips and Jane Mischenco, Co-Chairs of Healthwatch Leeds explained: “This is about more than structures. It is about whether people in Leeds still have a safe, independent place to speak up. We know from our work that independence builds trust. Without it, there is a real risk that the people who most need to be heard will be least likely to come forward or to be listened to.”
Healthwatch Leeds works with thousands of people across the city every year, helping them share experiences of GP services, hospitals, mental health care, dentistry, social care and more.
Jackie Hartley, Leeds resident who reached out to Healthwatch Leeds said: “When my brother John died, I put in a complaint to the hospital and didn’t get anywhere, but when Healthwatch helped me, I got a response within a day. It was never about getting money after what happened to John; it was about making things better for people, which I felt happened.”
An independent local Discovery Report written by Sue Hoey in May 2026 found strong support from the public and partners for retaining an independent voice in Leeds.
Support independent community journalism!
East Side Story covers the people, places and stories in Leeds that are too often overlooked. While national headlines chase conflict and clickbait, we focus on real communities and the issues shaping daily life in East Leeds.
Divisive content, AI noise and online rumours spread faster than ever. At the same time, many mainstream outlets are stretched and rarely spotlight the community organisations and local champions who deserve recognition.
East Side Story was created to change that. We answer only to our readers. We have no corporate owners or billionaire funders. Our journalists report freely, ask difficult questions and hold power to account.
Your support helps us keep this work going. Monthly contributions make the biggest impact because they allow us to invest in deeper reporting and fearless local journalism.
Supporters also receive exclusive updates, behind the scenes insights and other benefits as a thank you for keeping independent journalism alive.
