Wes Streeting

THE NHS Watchdog that has spent 13 years monitoring the borough’s health service warned that a new “in-house” system could give licence for providers to be “marking their own homework”, as it gave what is expected to be its final report to the Town Hall.

The government announced last month that Healthwatch England, which advocates on behalf on patients, will be scrapped under Wes Streeting’s 10-year health strategy.

Speaking at the council’s Health Scrutiny Committee meeting last week, Laura Saksena, the CEO of Healthwatch Islington, called on councillors to “protect some kind of independent scrutiny of services within the local patch”.

She said: “I think one of the concerns that everybody has is where the independence is going to sit. If you take this engagement in-house, that means people are essentially going to be marking their own homework.”

Ms Saksena added: “Healthwatch Islington is a very strong example of a very powerful and active Healthwatch. That’s not necessarily representative across the patch and I think that’s problematic. Whether the solution is to axe it and take it in-house or not is not for me to say.

“We would like to build on that reputation and build on our unique reach because that’s what we see as something special that Healthwatch Islington offers.”

Councillor Benali Hamdache praised the organisation for its work with the public over the past decade.

He said: “I used to work for Parkinson’s UK as a campaign manager and I have to say I found Healthwatch to be a wonderful ally. I’m really sad personally to see the plans.”

Cllr Hamdache added: “Sometimes the biggest challenge the NHS faces is a democratic deficit. People are so confused by where decisions are made, how to interact with the service, and it can be really difficult to engage. I’ve been really struck by how good Healthwatch is and I want to pass on my thanks.”