NORTH Cornwall’s MP has lashed out at the government after it announced plans to abolish Healthwatch, the independent body that gives patients and the public a voice within the NHS.

Ben Maguire, the Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, has described the body as a "critical friend" to healthcare providers across the Duchy.

It comes after the government published a new Health Bill that could change how patients and people who use health and social care services are listened to. Under the proposals, Healthwatch England’s responsibilities will move to the Department of Health and Social Care, and the functions of the regional Healthwatch could be taken over by the NHS and local council.

Mr Maguire has previously praised the work of Healthwatch Cornwall, arguing that it has produced influential reports on issues including mental health provision, and the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on health and care services.

The MP has jointly written with Cornwall Council to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, urging the government to pause the legislation until a replacement is identified. He has also joined many of his Liberal Democrats colleagues to call for an "urgent rethink", warning that abolishing Healthwatch risks leaving hard-to-reach communities without an effective means of making their voices heard.

Commenting, Ben Maguire MP said: "Healthwatch helps signpost patients to the services they need. But, more importantly, it is an independent statutory body that shines a light on problems that need addressing and gives patients a much-needed voice in driving improvements to local healthcare services.

"The government appears to be moving towards a system where healthcare providers monitor their own services. That would amount to marking their own homework. The NHS must remain accountable. Services should be challenged where standards are not being met, and patients must continue to have an independent voice speaking up on their behalf."