Healthwatch Redbridge identified as the biggest loser of funding across London

In a letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, Sir Robert raised his concerns and spoke of the ‘perilous state of the Healthwatch network funding’.

Vanda Thomas, Chair of Healthwatch Redbridge (HWR), said:

“I think Sir Robert has raised an essential issue; that funding provided from central government is not ring-fenced and has on a number of occasions been used to offset local funding crises.

This is a short-term answer and fails to recognise the impact of our organisation as we see the demand for our service increase each year.”

Cathy Turland, HWR Chief Executive Officer said:

“Although this year we were delighted to have secured the Healthwatch contract, we remain concerned that we will struggle to build on our achievements of the last five years.

It should be noted that we received the largest reduction in funding in London and, nationally we are placed 6th out of 148 for the highest amount of funding loss this year."

The full release can be download from the link below: