We have written to NHS England to assess to Clinical Commissioning Groups can involve local Healthwatch in changes to how health and care services are run.
We have written to the Local Government Association to discuss how we can work together to ensure that Clinical Commissioning Groups involve the public in decision making processes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced plans to introduce a new 'special measures' scheme for GP practices that will see those offering poor care being given deadlines to make improvements and facing closure if they fail.
The special measures scheme will be introduced from GP practices from October this year.
The way decisions are made about local health services is changing. Early indications from local Healthwatch suggest that this is resulting in the public feeling less able to have their say.
We've heard from local Healthwatch across the country that Super CCGs are failing to involve their communities in major decisions about redesigning services - from hospitals and GP surgeries to dentists and care homes.
We have written to the Secretary of State about our concerns about reduced local accountability arrangements around commissioning.
Local Healthwatch are reporting that these new structures are cutting corners and making little effort to actively engage their local populations in major decisions about the redesign of services.
Our strategy for 2014/16 sets out how, by working together, the Healthwatch network will truly champion the interests of those who use health and social care services.