Write to your MP about an independent health and care voice
What is happening and why it matters to you
The Government is introducing its new Health Bill. As part of that Bill, it is proposing to remove independent Healthwatch organisations, including Healthwatch Leeds, and replace us with feedback mechanisms run by the NHS and councils themselves.
Healthwatch Leeds has been a trusted, independent voice for people in Leeds for over a decade. We are not part of the NHS or the council. We work for you, listening to your experiences and making sure the people with the power to change things actually hear them.
We have deep concerns about what these proposals could mean for people in Leeds, particularly those who already find it hardest to be heard.
Independence matters.
People share their experiences with us because they trust us to be genuinely independent. When the organisations responsible for delivering care also collect feedback about it, there is a real risk they end up marking their own homework.
Hearing from everyone is important.
As a community-based organisation, we have built up relationships with communities, including those who are less likely to be heard or are more likely to experience barriers or health inequalities. If these voices are not heard, there is a risk that inequalities will worsen.
How to contact your MP: step by step
It is easier than you think, and it only takes a few minutes. Here is what to do:
1. Find out who your MP is
Not sure who represents you? You can find your MP and their contact details using your postcode on the Parliament website.
2. Choose your template letter below
We have two versions. One, if you have not contacted your MP about this before, and a follow-up version if you have. Download or copy the one that fits your situation.
3. Add your name, address, and any personal words
MPs only respond when letters come from their own constituents, so make sure to include your name and address. You are also very welcome to add your own words about why this matters to you personally, which makes your letter even more powerful.
4. Send it
The simplest option is to use the Write to Them website, copy and paste your letter in, and it will be sent directly to your MP. You can also post it or email their office directly (details on the Parliament website).
Template letter to your MP
Choose the letter that applies to you. You can copy and paste it into the Write to Them website, or use it to write your own email or letter.
First time writing to your MP about this?
Use this letter if you have not contacted your MP about Healthwatch or the Health Bill before.
Already been in touch with your MP?
Thank you for your help so far. You can now use this follow-up letter if you have already written or emailed about this issue and want to follow up.
Find out more: the evidence and our story
Want to understand more about what is at stake, what the evidence says, or what Healthwatch Leeds has achieved? Here are four key resources to read and share.
Healthwatch Leeds response to the Health Bill
Our full statement on what the Health Bill proposes, why we are concerned and what it could mean for people in Leeds.
Why Healthwatch Leeds matters: four real examples
Four case studies of how our independence led directly to improvements in mental health services, learning disability care, national accessibility policy and Leeds’s new neighbourhood health model. Changes that might not have happened without us.
Learning from Healthwatch: the future of patient voice
An independent national review commissioned by the King’s Fund in partnership with Healthwatch England. Its key finding: any future model must maintain independence from the health and care system so it can speak truth to power and raise difficult messages where necessary.
What people and partners want for the future: the Discovery Report
Written by Sue Hoey, who is completely independent of Healthwatch Leeds. She spoke to the public, health and care leaders, councillors, third sector partners, and involvement leads. Their verdict was clear: any future organisation must be independent and impartial, and people’s voices must be at the heart of decision-making.
Thank you: every message makes a difference
Writing to your MP takes just a few minutes, but it really does matter. When MPs hear from people in their own constituency, it carries weight. We are grateful for every message sent.
Healthwatch Leeds continues to be open and working as normal. We are still here, still listening and still supporting you. We will let you know if this changes.