Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in the context of the proposals to abolish Healthwatch, how he will ensure that people who are less likely to engage with health services directly, including those experiencing health inequalities, have their concerns identified and addressed.

The Patient Experience Directorate in the Department of Health and Social Care will focus on groups less likely to engage with health and care services. Statutory guidance published by the Department will make it clear that integrated care boards and local authorities should ensure that the steps they take to involve local people include those experiencing health inequalities, those who do not have access to digital platforms, those who are less proficient with technology, and people for whom English is a second language. This will ensure that services provided will benefit all people covered by the integrated care board and local authority area.